sec·ond-degree
ˈse-kən(d)-di-ˈgrē 
-kᵊŋ-
1
US, of a crime
: of a level of seriousness that is less than first degree : warranting punishment but not the most severe punishment
second-degree assault/murder
2
: causing or characterized by a moderate level of injury
a second-degree concussion
see also second-degree burn
US
: the level of a crime that is less than first degree and warrants less severe punishment
He was charged with assault in the second degree.
Examples of second-degree in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025
Quinto, a great-grandfather of 10, is in Dade County Jail charged with second-degree murder.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2025
Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
Investigators noted that Barber had sustained first and second degree burns on his right arm after allegedly setting the vehicle on fire.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for second-degree
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
Prior to Monday’s plea agreement, Adonis faced up to 25 years in prison on a top charge of second-degree drug possession.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025
Quinto, a great-grandfather of 10, is in Dade County Jail charged with second-degree murder.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
When asked how officials decided what the three students involved would be charged with, Morse said there are five degrees of homicide in Louisiana: first degree homicide, second degree homicide, manslaughter, negligent homicide and vehicular homicide.
—Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
Investigators noted that Barber had sustained first and second degree burns on his right arm after allegedly setting the vehicle on fire.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for second-degree
Cite this Entry
“Second-degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-degree. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share