Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

second-banana

noun
/ˈsɛkənd bəˈnænə/
Definition
A person who plays a secondary or supporting role, particularly in a comedy duo or entertainment context.
Examples
  • The comedian was the second-banana in the show, always ready with a clever quip to support the lead actor.
  • In the buddy cop film, one officer served as the main character while the other was the second-banana, contributing humor and insight.
Meaning
The term often refers to someone who is not the main star but provides important support or comic relief.
Synonyms
  • sidekick
  • supporting actor
  • comic relief
  • understudy