What does second mean?
“Second” is a versatile English word whose basic meaning is the ordinal position immediately after first. It commonly describes rank or order, as in “second place,” and identifies a unit of time lasting sixty seconds. In meetings and formal discussion, a “second” is a person or statement supporting a proposal, while the verb “second” means to give such support. The word can also mean a brief moment, as in “wait a second,” or an additional instance, as in “a second helping.” Its many uses are linked by the idea of something following another: a second position, a second interval, a second helping, or a second speaker in support. In expressions such as “second thoughts,” “second nature,” and “second opinion,” it conveys ideas involving repetition, support, or a later reconsideration.
Denoting the position immediately after the first in a sequence, rank, or order.
"She placed second in the national spelling competition."
The form may be hyphenated before a noun, as in “second-largest,” depending on the expression and house style.
The ordinal number denoting the position immediately after the first; also a unit of time equal to sixty seconds, an instance of support for a proposal, or a brief moment.
"The train departs in a few seconds."
The plural is “seconds.” Context determines whether the word refers to ordinal position, time, support, or a moment.
Used in formal contexts to indicate that a person supports a proposal or motion.
"Several members seconded the amendment."
This use is especially associated with meetings, parliamentary procedure, and formal organizations.
To support a proposal, motion, or named person, especially in a formal meeting.
"The chair seconded the suggestion from the previous speaker."
This is a formal usage, less common in general conversation than “support” or “agree.”
“Seconds” is the standard plural of the noun, used for multiple ordinal positions, units of time, brief moments, or instances of support.
"Only a few seconds remained before the deadline."
A second may seem tiny, but it is the unit that gives time its familiar scale: 60 seconds make a minute, and millions of them make a life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does second come from?
The word comes through Old French “second,” from Latin “secundus,” meaning “following” or “next after the first.” Latin “secundus” also gave English “secondary” and related forms. The English word developed both its numerical meaning and meanings connected with following or supporting, while the unit of time ultimately reflects the traditional division of a minute into sixty seconds.
Related word forms
How second is actually used
As an ordinal, “second” is normally written in a form appropriate to its context, such as “the second day,” “the second-largest,” or “the second person.” As a noun, “second” can mean a short interval, a unit of time, or support for a motion. As a verb, it is formal and especially common in meetings and legislative contexts.
Easily confused with second
A second is an ordinal position, unit of time, or act of support, while secondary means coming after the primary importance in rank, order, or significance.
A second is a unit of time, while a secant is a line that intersects a curve at two points.