second banana

noun

Synonyms of second banananext
: a comedian who plays a supporting role to a top banana
broadly : a person in a subservient position

Examples of second banana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The smart shopper will already note signs of staleness and mold in the old practice of a singer in stiff white tie and tails or gaudy gown, standing, arm propped on piano, of the second banana accompanist. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026 If Kate felt like the second banana in her career previously, at least that was based on her official role as Hal’s second at their various postings. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025 And finally, Watkins (Florida State’s leading scorer last season) is a matchup problem, a big wing/forward who could be an ace second banana for a great team. — Jim Root, New York Times, 2 May 2025 Less than a month later, the second banana-scented balm arrived, with Glossier’s limited-edition banana pudding Blam Dotcom. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for second banana

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of second banana was in 1953

Rhymes for second banana

See All Rhymes for second banana

Browse Nearby Words

second ballot
second banana
second base
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Second banana.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20banana. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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