runner-up

noun

run·​ner-up ˈrə-nər-ˌəp 

ˌrə-nər-ˈəp

plural runners-up ˈrə-nərz-ˌəp 

ˌrə-nərz-ˈəp

also runner-ups

: the competitor that does not win first place in a contest

especially : one that finishes in second place

Examples of runner-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the runner-up finish didn't overshadow his remarkable performance in the tournament — featuring eight goals and four assists. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

Devens ultimately won Big Brother in a vote of six to one from the jury, beating out runner-up Taylor Brown. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

The Chicago Blackhawks were coming off a less-than-ideal season opener to Vegas, where the Stanley Cup runner-ups cruised to a 5-2 win. — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026

Chesney widens his lead for the most Country Airplay leaders over Blake Shelton, the runner-up with 30. — Russ Penuell, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for runner-up

• buttercup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup

Kids Definition

runner-up

noun

run·​ner-up

ˈrən-ə-ˌrəp

plural runners-up

: the competitor in a contest who finishes next to the winner