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
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.
Why would platinum, country-pop, record album selling Dolly Parton play second banana in anybody’s act? — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026 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 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 Caesar and Coca were soon joined on the show by the diminutive Howard Morris, whom Caesar could hoist from the ground and glare at face to face, and by Carl Reiner, tall like Caesar but as happy as Sid was miserable—the ideal second banana. — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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