second nature

noun

: an acquired deeply ingrained habit or skill

after a while, using the gearshift becomes second nature

Examples of second nature in a Sentence

After a while, using the gearshift becomes second nature. speaking and thinking in Japanese simply became second nature to her during the years she spent in Kyoto

Recent Examples on the Web What the Mars-Uranus Conjunction Means for Your Zodiac Sign Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) Being a social butterfly is second nature to you, Libra! —

Kyle Thomas, Peoplemag, 14 July 2024 This may sound strange, but going to the clinic is almost second nature to me at this point. —

Annie Daly, Allure, 9 July 2024 Nerdy reminders about online shopping Doing the necessary product and price research should be second nature by now, but here’s a refresher on how to e-shop smartly. —

Nerdwallet, The Mercury News, 2 July 2024 Growing up in a whistle-stop Oklahoma town, Turner’s introduction to the world of publishing was second nature — his father Fred owned and ran the local newspaper, which is where the younger Turner got his start as a cub photographer. —

Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 26 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for second nature

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'second nature.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of second nature was in 1582

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Second nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20nature. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

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