runner-up
UK[ˌrʌnər ˈʌp]US[ˌrʌnər ˈʌp]
n
A person or team that finishes in second place in a competition or race.
n
A person or thing that is next in order after the winner.
Morpheme Breakdown
runner
up
runner
one who runs
up
in a higher position
Etymology
The compound "runner-up" originates from the sport of fox hunting in 18th-century England. The term initially described the hounds that followed closely behind the lead hound ("the runner") in a chase, being "up" with the leader. This literal sense of a competitor who is 'up' with the leading 'runner' was later abstracted and formalized in competitive contexts beyond hunting. It evolved to specifically denote the competitor who finishes immediately after the winner, capturing the idea of being next in line or in the highest position behind the victor.
Analysis
Structure: runner (one who runs) + up (in a higher position)
runner: From Middle English renner, from Old English rinnere (runner, messenger). Derived from the verb rinnan (to run). Origin: Germanic.
up: From Old English upp, up (upward, aloft). Origin: Germanic, related to Old Norse upp.
Examples
She was the runner-up in the national spelling bee.
The silver medal is awarded to the runner-up.
Our team finished as runner-up last year, but we're aiming for first place this season.