| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ noun
( plural runners-up )
1. : one that raises or runs up bids at an auction
2. : a competitor receiving a prize or special recognition but not winning first place in a contest
a thousand-dollar prize for the best window display … “crinkly fifty-dollar bills” to the ten runners-up — Bennett Cerf
especially : one winning second place
won the conference … in addition to one third place, three runners-up, and three state championships — Athletic Journal