Pronunciation

/sɛkənd/

Definitions

Noun

1. The number that comes after the first and before the third in the order of counting: The second child in line.
2. The position or rank as the next one in a series: He finished second in the race.
3. A second unit or portion of something: A glass of water, please, just a second.

Verb

1. To occupy the place or rank as the second: She secured second place in the competition.
2. To come or be after the first: He will speak second on the agenda.

Phrases

• “In second place” denotes not the top spot.
• “The second time” refers to a repetition or subsequent occurrence.
• “Wait a second” is used to request a moment’s pause.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The second book on the shelf is the one I want.”
• Verb: “She was second to cross the finish line.”
• Phrasal: “I need to think about it for a second.”

Synonyms

• First (in order)
• Next
• Subsequent
• Following
• Successive
• Second-best
• Runner-up