second-degree

1 of 2

adjective

sec·​ond-degree ˈse-kən(d)-di-ˈgrē 

-kᵊŋ-

1

US, of a crime : of a level of seriousness that is less than first degree : warranting punishment but not the most severe punishment

second-degree assault/murder

2

: causing or characterized by a moderate level of injury

a second-degree concussion

see also second-degree burn

second degree

2 of 2

noun

US

: the level of a crime that is less than first degree and warrants less severe punishment

He was charged with assault in the second degree.

Examples of second-degree in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Jalloh, in connection to Minter’s stabbing death, is being held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center on second-degree murder charges. —Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 9 Mar. 2026

In the state case, Mangione faces nine felony charges, including second-degree murder and various counts related to criminal possession of a weapon. —Adam Reiss, NBC news, 8 Mar. 2026

Noun

Students can also pursue a second degree in AI. —Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026

The 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office filed charges of introducing contraband in the second degree against Bagwell on Friday. —Christa Swanson, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1682, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for second-degree

• abc
• absentee
• addressee
• adoptee
• agouti
• allottee
• amphorae
• amputee
• apc
• apogee
• appointee
• assessee

Medical Definition

second-degree

adjective

: causing or characterized by a moderate level of injury

a second-degree ankle sprain

see also second-degree burn compare first-degree, third-degree

Legal Definition

second degree

noun

sec·​ond degree

: the grade given to the second most serious forms of crimes

assault in the second degree

second-degree adjective