second language
noun
: a language that is learned in addition to the language a person first learned as a young child
Examples of second language in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The school offers some resources for those learning English as a second language, including classes that help English learners develop the basics, and Spanish language classes for native speakers.
—
Angelique Alvarez Martinez, Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2025
Surrounded by spies, at odds with his colleagues, forced to proceed by stealth in a second language and an unfamiliar culture, Franklin had difficulties enough without having to hear of his son’s Loyalist activities.
—Stacy Schiff, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
Fratney is one of 21 schools in Milwaukee Public Schools with bilingual dual language and English as a second language programming.
—Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Another example of a property-rich district is Anchorage, where far fewer students come from impoverished households, are learning to speak English as a second language or have other special education needs.
—Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for second language
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Angelique Alvarez Martinez, Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2025
Surrounded by spies, at odds with his colleagues, forced to proceed by stealth in a second language and an unfamiliar culture, Franklin had difficulties enough without having to hear of his son’s Loyalist activities.
—Stacy Schiff, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
Fratney is one of 21 schools in Milwaukee Public Schools with bilingual dual language and English as a second language programming.
—Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Another example of a property-rich district is Anchorage, where far fewer students come from impoverished households, are learning to speak English as a second language or have other special education needs.
—Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for second language
Cite this Entry
“Second language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20language. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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