RUNNER-UP Definition & Meaning

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runner-up

[ ruhn-er-uhp ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural runners-up.

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

runner-up

noun

a contestant finishing a race or competition in second place

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of runner-up¹

First recorded in 1835–45

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Has a habit of coming second - finishing runner-up in 11 of his 26 races - and this distance is a real unknown.

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Woad finished runner-up in the individual competition last year, while her university team were joint 11th.

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Despite his unpredictable behaviour, Mr Incredible was runner-up in the Midlands Grand National last year when based with Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins.

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The 30-year-old has finished top six in every event since being runner-up at February's season opener in Riyadh.

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The hometown hero rose to fame after conquering the hearts of America with his guitar skills and coming in as runner-up of “American Idol’s” 17th season.

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