runner-up

American  

[ruhn-er-uhp] / ˈrʌn ərˈʌp /

noun

plural

runners-up

1. the competitor, player, or team finishing in second place, as in a race, contest, or tournament.

2. runners-up, the competitors who do not win a contest but who place ahead of the majority of the contestants and share in prizes or honors, as those who place second, third, and fourth, or in the top ten.

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runner-up British  

noun

1. a contestant finishing a race or competition in second place

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Etymology

Origin of runner-up

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Open, and finished runner-up at Wimbledon to his only true rival, Jannik Sinner.

From The Wall Street Journal

Spain's national team are currently the world champions and European runners-up.

From BBC

At the age of 70 - and at the same Lakeside venue where he hit his famous nine-darter in January 1990 - he ended as runner-up.

From BBC

Traditionally featuring the Serie A and Italian Cup champions, since 2023 the Italian Super Cup has also included the runners-up from league and cup.

From Barron's

But finishing runner-up on the Development Tour, which has secured a two-year professional tour card, and impressive performances in televised tournaments have increased her confidence.

From BBC

Related Words

• double