always used before a noun
1
a
: occupying the number two position in a series
We sat in the second row.
the second house on the left
the author's second novel
B is the second letter in the alphabet.
That's the second time I've seen him today.
The office is on the second floor. [=(US) the floor just above the lowest floor; (Brit) the floor that is two floors above the lowest floor]
b
: next to the first in importance or rank
Chocolate is my first choice; vanilla is my second choice.
I won second prize.
c
: another of the same kind
They needed a second car. [=they needed two cars]
The chair needs a second coat of paint.
The word has a second meaning. [=the word has two meanings]
She took a second helping [=she took another serving] of carrots.
English as a second language [=a language that you learn in addition to the language you first learned when you were a young child]
I could have fired him, but I gave him a second chance. [=I gave him another chance]
I recommend you get a second opinion. [=advice from another doctor to make sure the first advice is right]
He passed her by without (giving her) a second glance. [=he didn't notice her]
She liked the house enough to give it a second look. [=she looked at the house again]
2
—used to refer to the forward gear or speed of a vehicle that is next to the lowest forward gear
You should put the car in second gear when you go up the hill.
—sometimes used figurativelyThe movie never really gets out of second gear.
The program is shifting into second gear now that all the proposals have been approved.
3
: having or playing the part in a group of instruments that is one level lower than the first
She plays second violin in the city orchestra.
1
: in a position that only comes after one other in time, order, or importance
The university ranks second in the nation.
This is the second most common error made by job applicants.
Milan is Italy's second largest city.
I placed/finished second in the race. = (US) I came in second in the race. = (Brit) I came second in the race.
The misspelled word is in the second to last paragraph. [=in the paragraph that comes just before the last one]
2
—used to introduce a statement that is the second in a series of statements
It's pointless to plan a trip—first, we can't afford one, and second, we don't have time to take one.
plural seconds
1
: something that is second : the second thing in a series
His birthday is on the second of June. [=on June 2]
The win was his second of the year.
2
: another serving of food taken after you are finished with the first serving
Who wants seconds?
3
: a statement made to support or approve a motion in a meeting
There's been a motion to vote on the proposal. Do I hear a second?
4
: a product that is cheaper than normal because it is damaged or imperfect
—usually plural
These curtains are seconds.
The store sells factory seconds.
5
: the forward gear or speed in a vehicle that is one speed higher than first gear
Put the car/bicycle in second when you go up the hill.
6
British
: an undergraduate degree of the second highest level from a British university
He took/received a second in history.
7
baseball
: second base
He stole second.
There's a runner on second.
8
: a person whose job is to help someone who is fighting in a boxing match or duel
plural seconds
1
a
: a unit of time that is equal to ¹/₆₀ of a minute
There was a delay of several seconds.
a 30-second TV commercial
phone lines transmitting data at 1,200 bits per second
The sound came on for a second or two and then went off again.
b
informal
: a very brief period of time
For a second (there) I thought you were kidding.
This will (just/only) take a second.
I'll be back in a second. [=I'll be back very soon]
I can't come right this second. [=at this very moment]
"Did you enjoy her visit?" "I enjoyed every second." [=I enjoyed the entire visit]
I expect her back any second now. [=very soon]
It could happen at any second. [=at any time]
2
technical
: one of 60 equal parts into which a minute can be divided for measuring angles
40 degrees, 27 minutes, and 45 seconds
seconds; seconded; seconding
1
a
: to approve (something, such as a motion) during a meeting so that discussion or voting can begin
I would like to second the motion to adjourn.
b
informal
: to agree with (a suggestion or statement)
"Let's call it a day." "I'll second that."
2
sɪˈkɑːnd
British
: to move (someone) from a regular job to a different place, department, etc., for a short period of time
—usually used as (be) secondedShe was seconded to the Birmingham office for six months.
Cite this Entry
“Second.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/second. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.
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