noun
Very common
seconds
SEH-kuhndz
Seconds (noun) means an additional helping of food at a meal. Example: “I'm still hungry, so I'm going to ask for seconds.”
noun
1
An additional helping of food at a meal.
"I'm still hungry, so I'm going to ask for seconds."
"There was plenty of pasta, so Dad offered everyone seconds."
"The stew was so good that everyone went back for seconds."
2
Goods sold at a discount because of minor flaws.
"I bought these mugs as seconds because the glaze has a tiny blemish."
"Do you stock seconds, or only perfect items on the shelves?"
"The outlet store sells factory seconds at half price."
How to use seconds
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither an extra helping of food, or slightly flawed goods sold cheaply.
Common pairings
go back for seconds
factory seconds
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Frequently asked questions
What does “seconds” mean?
The word “seconds” means an additional helping of food at a meal. In plain terms, either an extra helping of food, or slightly flawed goods sold cheaply.
How do you pronounce “seconds”?
“Seconds” is pronounced SEH-kuhndz (/ˈsɛk.əndz/ in IPA).
How do you use “seconds” in a sentence?
Here is “seconds” used in a sentence: “The stew was so good that everyone went back for seconds.”
What part of speech is “seconds”?
“Seconds” is a noun.
Is “seconds” a common word?
“Seconds” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “seconds” have?
“Seconds” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an additional helping of food at a meal.
What does it mean to have seconds?
Having seconds means taking a second helping of food during the same meal, after finishing your first serving. It usually implies you enjoyed the dish enough to want more. The word is almost always used in this plural form, as in 'Would you like seconds?'
What is the difference between seconds and leftovers?
Seconds are an extra helping taken during the meal itself, while it is still being served. Leftovers are the food that remains after the meal is over, usually stored and eaten later. Seconds happen at the table; leftovers go in the fridge.
Is it polite to ask for seconds?
In most casual and family settings, asking for seconds is welcomed and even taken as a compliment to the cook. At very formal dinners it can be less expected. Generally, showing you enjoyed the food enough to want more is a friendly, appreciative gesture.
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