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Definition of "second best" [second best]

  • One that is next to the best. (noun)
  • Next to the best. (adverb)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "second best" in a sentence
  • "By sharing responsibility rather than shouldering it, Jordan led the Bulls to the second best record in the East at 55-27...behind the ever-tough defending champion Pistons, who finished 59-23."
  • "Vince Carino plays linebacker for the UNLV Rebels, a decent university team, usually the second best in the state."