second

¹sec·ond

adj
\ˈse-kənd also -kənt, especially before a consonant -kən, -k^əŋ\

Definition of SECOND

1

a : next to the first in place or time <was second in line> b (1) : next to the first in value, excellence, or degree <his second choice of schools> (2) : inferior, subordinate <was second to none> c : ranking next below the top of a grade or degree in authority or precedence <second mate> d : alternate, other <elects a mayor every second year> e : resembling or suggesting a prototype : another <a second Thoreau> f : being the forward gear or speed next higher than first in a motor vehicle

2

: relating to or having a part typically subordinate to and lower in pitch than the first part in concerted or ensemble music

— second or sec·ond·ly adverb

Examples of SECOND

1. We sat in the second row.
2. the second house on the left
3. B is the second letter in the alphabet.
4. That's the second time I've seen him today.
5. Chocolate is my first choice; vanilla is my second choice.
6. The chair needs a second coat of paint.
7. She plays second violin in the city orchestra.

Origin of SECOND

Middle English, from Anglo-French secund, from Latin secundus second, following, favorable, from sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use: 13th century

Other Number-Related Terms

jubilee, myriad, quarantine, score, twain

Rhymes with SECOND

fecund