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 Taurus Rising At this point, challenging the world’s assumptions about you is second nature. Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2024 Gen Zs are touted to be the most tech-savvy generation, which means that social media, online collaboration tools, and digital communication are second nature to them. Sho Dewan, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Using tools seems like second nature for humans today, but our prehistoric ancestors didn’t acquire this practical skill set overnight. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 7 Feb. 2024 This includes familiarizing themselves with accounting terminologies, concepts, and practices that are second nature to those with an accounting background. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 The ability to determine deepfakes will need to become second nature for companies. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2024 Do the stunts come second nature to the seasoned martial arts icon by now? Jessica Wang, EW.com, 22 Dec. 2023 The kitchen seems better rehearsed than the front of the house, where servers sometimes lack the assurance that this kind of restaurant needs, and that only comes once the lines and dance steps have become second nature. Pete Wells, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2024 And in cities like New York, walking is as second nature as hailing a cab, but so much better for you. Erika Veurink, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2024

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

Dictionary Entries Near second nature

Cite this Entry

“Second nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20nature. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!