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
Illinois was set to receive about $17 million in Adult Education Basic Grants, as well as nearly $3 million in Adult Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education Grants, which specifically support citizenship and classes in English as a second language.
—
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
Those funds are spread across five federal programs supporting the learning of migrant children and those learning English as a second language, as well as educator training, school technology, and after-school programs for children in high-poverty schools.
—Cleo Krejci, jsonline.com, 2 July 2025
Three in 10 are first-generation students; One-quarter of all students are immigrants, and 17.7% need to learn English as a second language;
About one-sixth (16.5%) are neurodivergent, a characteristic that has increased by more than 2.5 times since 2004.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Don't waste your money on a foreign-language program, though—the best way for your child to learn a second language is by hearing people around them use it.
—Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Parents, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for second language
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Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
Those funds are spread across five federal programs supporting the learning of migrant children and those learning English as a second language, as well as educator training, school technology, and after-school programs for children in high-poverty schools.
—Cleo Krejci, jsonline.com, 2 July 2025
Three in 10 are first-generation students; One-quarter of all students are immigrants, and 17.7% need to learn English as a second language;
About one-sixth (16.5%) are neurodivergent, a characteristic that has increased by more than 2.5 times since 2004.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Don't waste your money on a foreign-language program, though—the best way for your child to learn a second language is by hearing people around them use it.
—Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Parents, 15 May 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 15 Jul. 2025.
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