second-string

adjective

sec·​ond-string ˌse-kən(d)-ˈstriŋ How to pronounce second-string (audio)
ˌse-kᵊŋ-
: being a substitute as distinguished from a regular (as on a ball team)

Examples of second-string in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But Darnold looked pretty good handing the ball off and ripping a few third-down passes against the second-string of a mediocre, young defense. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2024 This obviously leaves their teams using second-string/backup players in their stead. Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2023 The Obama years damaged the Democrats’ bench so badly that the best the party could do in 2020 was nominate a couple of second-string Dunning–Kruger cases who, in normal circumstances, would have been laughed off the stage at the first hurdle (and previously were). Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 19 Dec. 2023 Both teams are playing second-string teams filled mostly with fringe players. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 Both the 49ers and Eagles were upset by Cleveland and the New York Jets, respectively, AFC teams led by smothering defenses and erstwhile second-string quarterbacks. Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2023 Since Ford’s injury, Felton has been getting some of the second-string reps, and has led the Browns in rushing yards during the preseason. Irie Harris, cleveland, 22 Aug. 2023 The Ravens are already using two second-string cornerbacks as starters after losing Marlon Humphrey for about a month because of foot surgery. Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2023 Heading into his fourth season, Huntley is competing for the second-string quarterback role behind former MVP Lamar Jackson. Austin Curtright, The Salt Lake Tribune, 14 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'second-string.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from the reserve bowstring carried by an archer in case the first breaks

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of second-string was in 1922

Dictionary Entries Near second-string

Cite this Entry

“Second-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-string. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

second-string

adjective
: being a substitute player as distinguished from a regular
Etymology

from the reserve bowstring carried by an archer in case the first breaks

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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