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
The Mavericks are attempting to reach their fifth College World Series under Hanks, whose teams were national runner-up in 2014 and ’19.
—
Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
Last season, the Saints were the runner-up in Division 4.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 20 May 2026
Potential finalists will be notified via email and may be required to complete and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, License of Work and Release of Liability/Publicity within three (3) days of date of notification, or a shorter time if required by exigencies, or a runner-up may be selected.
—Tim McGovern, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Golden Tempo, the Kentucky Derby winner, and Renegade, the Derby runner-up, were not slated to run the race.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for runner-up
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Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
Last season, the Saints were the runner-up in Division 4.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 20 May 2026
Potential finalists will be notified via email and may be required to complete and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, License of Work and Release of Liability/Publicity within three (3) days of date of notification, or a shorter time if required by exigencies, or a runner-up may be selected.
—Tim McGovern, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Golden Tempo, the Kentucky Derby winner, and Renegade, the Derby runner-up, were not slated to run the race.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for runner-up
Cite this Entry
“Runner-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runner-up. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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