SECOND-BEST

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does second-best mean? 

• SECOND-BEST (adjective)
  The adjective SECOND-BEST has 1 sense:

1. next to the best

  Familiarity information: SECOND-BEST used as an adjective is very rare.

• SECOND-BEST (adverb)
  The adverb SECOND-BEST has 1 sense:

1. in second place

  Familiarity information: SECOND-BEST used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SECOND-BEST (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Next to the best

Context example:

his second-best bed

Similar:

best ((superlative of 'good') having the most positive qualities)

• SECOND-BEST (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In second place

Context example:

he came off second-best

 Context examples 

I come into the second-best parlour after breakfast, with my books, and an exercise-book, and a slate.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Here he held Martin off at arm's length and ran his beaming eyes over Martin's second-best suit, which was also his worst suit, and which was ragged and past repair, though the trousers showed the careful crease he had put in with Maria's flat-irons.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

He had no second-best suit that was presentable, and though he could go to the butcher and the baker, and even on occasion to his sister's, it was beyond all daring to dream of entering the Morse home so disreputably apparelled.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)