adjective
second
SEHK-uhnd
adjective
1
Coming after the first in order, position, or importance.
"She finished second in the marathon."
"This is his second attempt at passing the exam."
noun
1
A unit of time equal to one sixtieth of a minute.
"The race was decided by less than a second."
"Wait a second, I need to grab my keys."
verb
1
To formally support a motion or proposal so that it can be voted on.
"I move that we adjourn — do I have someone to second the motion?"
How to Use Second
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNumber two in order, a tiny unit of time, or formally backing someone else's proposal.
Common pairings
second place
a split second
second the motion
Word Forms
seconded past tense, seconded past tense, seconds plural, seconds plural, seconds plural, seconds singular, seconds singular
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Etymology
From Old French "second," from Latin "secundus" ("following, next"), related to "sequor" ("to follow").