second language

noun

: a language that is learned in addition to the language a person first learned as a young child

Examples of second language in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In fact, chances are that Zelensky, as a consequence of having English as his third and not his first or second language, used the word 'feel’ for lack of a better word for the impact the war will have on all members of the free world. Pia Lauritzen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 Answers are delivered honestly and, considering English is his second language, with an impressive level of detail. Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025 The actor’s preferred language is English, and Thai is his second language, but Thapthimthong said White had scripted Gaitok as having been born and raised on Ko Samui, and never having left the area. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025 Background: Addressing gaps is not new for the legislator, who is an educator by profession and began teaching biology to students speaking English as a second language at Rogers High School in 1996. Alex Golden, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for second language

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Second language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20language. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!