second-degree

1 of 2

adjective

sec·​ond-degree ˈse-kən(d)-di-ˈgrē How to pronounce second-degree (audio)
-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

second degree

2 of 2

noun

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
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
Jurors found Read not guilty of second-degree murder, the top charge, but guilty of a lesser offense of operating a vehicle under the influence with a blood-alcohol level of .08% or greater. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025 Bennett has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and second-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes in the shooting, the prosecutor’s office said. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025
Noun
Jeffrey Ferguson, now 74, was convicted of second degree murder for fatally shooting his wife, Sheryl, with a concealed carry Glock .40-caliber pistol while the two were watching television with their adult son in August 2023. Sean Emery, Oc Register, 13 June 2025 Both men have pleaded not guilty to first-degree kidnapping, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and assault. Christine Pelisek, People.com, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for second-degree

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of second-degree was in 1682

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Second-degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-degree. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

second-degree

adjective
: causing or characterized by a moderate level of injury
a second-degree ankle sprain
see also second-degree burn compare first-degree, third-degree

Legal Definition

second degree

noun
sec·​ond degree
: the grade given to the second most serious forms of crimes
assault in the second degree
second-degree adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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