second banana

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Foster’s Bonnie may be second banana, but she engenders real compassion when she asserts herself letting viewers in on her life even if Diana is blind to Bonnie’s desires.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2024

It helps that Reginald is played by Jacob Batalon, who is as endearingly puppy-doggish and spunky here as he is playing second banana in the most recent “Spider-Man” movies.

From New York Times • Oct. 7, 2022

Vance famously resented having to play Ethel as a frumpy, overweight second banana, a resentment that we see Lucy stoking here in a particularly petty way.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2021

A second banana was the second most important person in an organization.

From Washington Post • Jul. 4, 2021

I asked as I peeled my second banana.

From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen