second fiddle

noun

: one that plays a supporting or subservient role

Examples of second fiddle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ainslie also pushed back on the notion that SailGP played second fiddle to the America’s Cup. Andrew Rice, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025 If hockey is forever doomed to play second fiddle to basketball here in the States—per EDO Ad EnGage estimates, the NHL this season generated $80.2 million in national TV ad revenue, versus $636.6 million for the NBA—the sport can put up big numbers given the right set of circumstances. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Apr. 2025 But for those in on the secret, places like Ocean Springs, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis are hardly second fiddles. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025 But neither of those roles were true romantic leads, playing second fiddle to other narrative arcs. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for second fiddle

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of second fiddle was in 1809

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Second fiddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20fiddle. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

second fiddle

noun
: a person who fills a secondary role

More from Merriam-Webster on second fiddle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!