every second

idiom

1
: every two
used to indicate that a repeated activity happens or is done once in two periods
We elect a mayor every second year.
The fair is held every second year.
2
: every moment
I enjoyed every second of her visit.

Examples of every second in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The tradition involves eating a grape on every clock gong before midnight—so yes, that means eating one grape every second when the clock starts chiming. Fiona Ward, Glamour, 31 Dec. 2025 Modified from machines used by Planters factories to wrap peanuts, this contraption envelops 5,000 MetroCards every hour—or more than one every second. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2025 The lead reindeer would absorb trillions of joules of energy every second, instantly bursting into flames. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025 Each program will face every other team at least every second year—with home and away contests happening against every team over a four-year span. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for every second

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Every second.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/every%20second. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!