adjective
Coming after the first in order, time, or rank.
We live on the second floor.
She finished second in the race.
Common phrases & grammar
second place · second floor · second half · second language
the second + noun
second + noun
American English
How to pronounce second
adjective · noun · adverb · verbB1Very common word
SEHknd
/ˈsɛ.kn̩d̚/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Coming after the first in order, time, or rank.
What to listen for
In natural connected speech, the final /d/ in “second” may disappear before another consonant. When you say the word alone, keep the /d/: /ˈsɛkn̩d/.
Meanings & examples
noun
A unit of time that is 1/60 of a minute.
Wait a few seconds.
The alarm will ring in ten seconds.
Common phrases & grammar
a few seconds · every second · half a second · wait a second
for + number + seconds
in + number + seconds
noun
The place or result just after first in a race, list, or competition.
He finished a close second.
Our team came in second.
Common phrases & grammar
a close second · finish second · take second place
finish a close second
come in second
adjective
One more or another, after an earlier one.
I need a second opinion.
They gave me a second chance.
Common phrases & grammar
second chance · second opinion · second look · second attempt
a second + noun
Useful expressions
An opinion from another expert after you have already received one.
I got a second opinion before the surgery.
After thinking about something again.
On second thought, I'll stay home.
An extremely short period of time.
She made the decision in a split second.