Definition of second
1a : next to the first in place or time was second in lineb (1) : next to the first in value, excellence, or degree his second choice of schools (2) : inferior, subordinate was second to nonec : ranking next below the top of a grade or degree in authority or precedence second mated : alternate, other elects a mayor every second yeare : resembling or suggesting a prototype : another a second Thoreauf : being the forward gear or speed next higher than first in a motor vehicle
2 : relating to or having a part typically subordinate to and lower in pitch than the first part in concerted or ensemble music
second
orsecondly
adverbRead the Latest from M-W
Examples of second in a Sentence
We sat in the second row.
the second house on the left
B is the second letter in the alphabet.
That's the second time I've seen him today.
Chocolate is my first choice; vanilla is my second choice.
The chair needs a second coat of paint.
She plays second violin in the city orchestra.
Origin and Etymology of second
Middle English, from Anglo-French secund, from Latin secundus second, following, favorable, from sequi to follow — more at sue
First Known Use: 13th century
Other Number-Related Terms
second
Definition of second
1a : one that is number two in a series — see number tableb : one that is next after the first in rank, position, authority, or precedence the second in line
2 : one that assists or supports another; especially : the assistant of a duelist or boxer
3a : the musical interval embracing two diatonic degreesb : a tone at this interval; specifically : supertonicc : the harmonic combination of two tones a second apart
4a seconds plural : merchandise that is usually slightly flawed and does not meet the manufacturer's standard for firsts or irregularsb : an article of such merchandise
5 : the act or declaration by which a parliamentary motion is seconded
6 : a place next below the first in a competition, examination, or contest
7 : second base
8 : the second forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle
14th Century
First Known Use of second
14th century
Other Number-Related Terms
second
Definition of second
1a : the 60th part of a minute of angular measureb : the 60th part of a minute of time : 1/86,400 part of the mean solar day; specifically : the base unit of time in the International System of Units that is equal to the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the cesium-133 atom
2 : an instant of time : moment
Origin and Etymology of second
Middle English secounde, from Medieval Latin secunda, from Latin, feminine of secundus second; from its being the second sexagesimal division of a unit, as a minute is the first
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
second
Definition of second
transitive verb
1a : to give support or encouragement to : assistb : to support (a fighting person or group) in combat : bring up reinforcements for
2a : to support or assist in contention or debateb : to endorse (a motion or a nomination) so that debate or voting may begin
3\si-ˈkänd\ chiefly British : to release (someone, such as a military officer) from a regularly assigned position for temporary duty with another unit or organization
seconder
nounExamples of second in a Sentence
I would like to second the motion to adjourn.
“Let's call it a day.” “I'll second that.”
Origin and Etymology of second
Latin secundare, from secundus second, favorable
First Known Use: circa 1586
SECOND Defined for English Language Learners
second
playDefinition of second for English Language Learners
-
: occupying the number two position in a series
-
: next to the first in importance or rank
-
: another of the same kind
second
Definition of second for English Language Learners
-
: to approve (something, such as a motion) during a meeting so that discussion or voting can begin
-
: to agree with (a suggestion or statement)
-
: to move (someone) from a regular job to a different place, department, etc., for a short period of time
SECOND Defined for Kids
Definition of second for Students
1 : being next after the first in time or order a second child the second floor
2 : next lower in rank, value, or importance than the first second prize
3 : another of the same type a second car a second language
Word Root of second
The Latin word sequī, meaning “to follow,” and its form secutus give us the roots sequ and sec. Words from the Latin sequī have something to do with following. Something second follows what came first. A sequel is a book or movie that follows another and continues the story. A sequence is the order in which one thing follows another. A consequence is a result that follows from a condition or action.
Definition of second for Students
seconded
;seconding
: to support a suggestion, motion, or nomination
Definition of second for Students
: in the second place or rank the second tallest mountain
Definition of second for Students
: someone or something that is second Theirs is the first house, and mine is the second.
Learn More about second
-
See words that rhyme with second Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for second Spanish Central: Translation of second Nglish: Translation of second for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of second for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about second
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up second? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!