coming after the first in order or position
She finished in second place in the spelling bee.
Turn left at the second traffic light.
a unit of time equal to one-sixtieth of a minute
The race lasted only ten seconds.
Hold your breath for thirty seconds.
an extra helping of food after the first serving
The stew was so tasty that I asked for a second.
Who wants a second slice of cake?
a very short moment of time
I’ll be there in a second.
Wait a second while I grab my keys.
used to introduce the point that comes after the first when listing or explaining
First, gather all the tools; second, put on safety gloves.
Second, remember to greet the guests politely.
to formally show support for someone’s proposal so it can be discussed or voted on
I second the motion to approve the budget.
Does anyone second her suggestion?
a person who assists and advises a boxer, duelist, or similar competitor
The boxer’s second cleaned the cut above his eye.
Each duelist chose a trusted second before the fight.
in music, the interval between two notes that are next to each other in pitch
The melody begins with a rising second.
Singing in seconds can create tension in harmony.
