second
Noun pluralseconds
Pluralseconds
Formsseconds, seconding, seconded
- 1Coming just after the first in order, or next after the first in how important it is.
Like the runner who crosses the line right after the winner.
He took the second slice of cake without asking.
Their second child was born in the spring.
UsageSay the second time or the second floor.
- 2A unit of time equal to one sixtieth of a minute.
Like one tick of a clock.
The kitchen timer beeps once every second.
The light stayed green for only a few seconds.
UsageA split second is a very short time.
Note
- 3Another one of the same kind as before.
Like getting another scoop of the same ice cream.
He poured himself a second cup of coffee.
She bought a second umbrella to keep at work.
UsageSay a second chance or a second try.
Similaradditional, further, extra, new
Note
- 4
- 5After the first one, in order or in a contest, or as your second point.
She came second in the spelling contest.
He finished second despite an early lead.
UsageSay the second biggest city, or she came second.
- 6The one that comes after the first, for example in a list or a race.
Of the three volumes, the second is the longest.
The first test was easy, but the second was much harder.
- 7A new try at doing something correctly after the first attempt.
I'll have one chance to show them that's no longer true. One chance ... and if I stumble, I'll not get a second.
2011, Karen Miller, The Innocent MageSmoky Joe ran against a Houston horse named Cherokee Chief. “Don't hit him,” Jeanine said to the jockey. “Maybe once. But you don't get a second.”
2009, Paulette Jiles, Stormy WeatherUsageOften used after mentioning a first try: you don't get a second.
Note
Less common meanings
- 8To say officially at a meeting that you support someone's idea, so that it can be voted on.
Like raising your hand to say you agree.
At the parents' meeting, I stood up to second the plan for a new playground.
The plan was dropped because nobody at the meeting seconded it.
UsageIn everyday conversation, I second that can mean “I agree.”
Oppositeoppose
- 9An extra serving of food taken after your first one.
Like going back to fill your cup again.
He asked for seconds after finishing his plate.
The kids always want seconds at dinner.
UsageSay can I have seconds?
- 10In baseball, the base a runner reaches after first base and before third.
He slid into second just ahead of the throw.
She stole second on the very next pitch.
UsageSay a runner is on second.
Note
- 11The person or thing that ranks just below the top in rank or power.
As the captain's second, she took charge when he was away.
The chef trusts his second to run the kitchen on busy nights.
UsageSecond in command means the next most important person.
Similardeputy, lieutenant, assistant, subordinate
- 12On a car or bike, the gear just above the lowest one, used for slow speeds.
He put the car into second to slow down for the corner.
In second, the engine pulls better on a steep road.
UsageSay shift into second.
- 13A product with small flaws, sold cheaply because it didn't pass quality checks.
Like a shirt sold cheaply because it has a loose thread.
The factory shop sells seconds at half price.
This mug is a second, so it has a tiny chip on the rim.
UsageShops sell flawed items as seconds.
Note
- 14In a meeting, the person who backs a motion so it can be voted on, or the act of backing it.
Like needing a friend to say 'I agree' before the whole group will talk about your idea.
The plan needed a second before the group could vote on it.
No one offered a second, so the motion was dropped.
UsageThe chair asks for a second before a vote.
- 15Someone who helps a fighter, such as a boxer's helper or a person who helped arrange a duel.
Like the helper who stands in a fighter's corner during a match.
His second handed him the sword before the fight.
Every fighter brought a second to help between rounds.
Similarattendant, assistant, helper, aide
Note
- 16In music, the gap between two notes with neighboring letter names, such as C and D.
Like two steps right next to each other on a ladder.
The two notes are just a second apart.
Our choir teacher had us sing a second, then a third, then a fifth.
Note
- 17A tiny unit for measuring angles, equal to one part in 3,600 of a degree.
Like cutting one degree into 3,600 tiny slices and taking just one.
The two stars sit only one second apart in the night sky.
Surveyors measure very small angles in seconds.
UsageExperts say arcsecond so it is not confused with time.
Similararcsecond
Note
- 18Saysuh-KONDUS/səˈkɑnd/UK/səˈkɒnd/To move a worker to another job or team for a short time.
Like lending a worker to another team for a while, then getting them back.
The company will second him to another team for six months.
They want to second a nurse to the rural clinic.
UsageSay she was seconded to another office.
Similardetail
Note
- 19To give help or support to someone or their effort.
In human works, tho’ labour’d on with pain, / A thouſand movements ſcarce one purpoſe gain; / In God's, one ſingle can its End produce, / Yet ſerves to ſecond too ſome other Uſe.
1733, [Alexander Pope], An Essay on Man.Similarsupport, back, assist, help, aid
Note
- 20At a British university, the second-highest class of degree result.
She earned a second in history.
You don't need a first for that job. A second will do.
UsageSay she got a second at university.
Note
- 21
- 22In Cub Scouts, the helper chosen to support the leader of a small group called a six.
She was made second to help the sixer with the group.
Each six has a sixer and a second.
Note
- 23Help or support given to someone in need.
Give second, and my love / Is everlasting thine.
1608, J. Fletcher, The Faithful ShepherdessHere, second means help or support given to someone.Note
- 24To come right after something else, following it in order.
Sin is usually seconded with sin.
1692, Robert South, Twelve Sermons Preached upon Several OccasionsHere, seconded means followed right after by something. - 25In climbing, to go up after the lead climber, following the same route.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origins
From Latin secundus, meaning "following" or "next in order", which came from a word meaning "to follow". It reached English through Old French.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- Second derives from Latin secundus, meaning following or next in order. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin secundus derives from a word meaning to follow. en.wiktionary.org
- The word reached English through Old French. en.wiktionary.org
From Latin secunda, short for a phrase meaning "second small part of the hour". It came into English through Old French.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- The word ultimately derives from Latin secunda, an abbreviation of a longer phrase. en.wiktionary.org
- The underlying phrase means 'second small part', referring to a subdivision of the hour. en.wikipedia.org
- The word entered English through Old French. en.wiktionary.org
From Latin secundō, meaning "to assist" or "make favorable", which came into English through Middle French.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- English second derives from Latin secundō through Middle French. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin secundō means “to assist” or “make favorable”. en.wiktionary.org