second language

noun

1. a language learned by a person after their native language, especially as a resident of an area where their new language is in general use.
2. a language widely used, especially in educational and governmental functions in a region where all or most of its speakers are nonnative, as English in India or Nigeria.

second language

noun

1. a language other than the mother tongue that a person or community uses for public communication, esp in trade, higher education, and administration
2. a non-native language officially recognized and adopted in a multilingual country as a means of public communication

Word History and Origins

Origin of second language¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The other piece too, is we provide things like debt-free degrees, mental health benefits, English as a second language, not just for you, but your extended family.

From Time

A real advance for those with hearing difficulties or where English is a second language.

From Time

In addition to bachelor’s and associate’s degrees and GEDs, the program will cover English as a second language certifications.

From Ars Technica

In parts of eastern Germany that feel neglected by Berlin, schools are now teaching Polish as a second language.

From Ozy

It turned out they did not, but were part of an English-as-a-Second-Language class that came to the bookstore every week.

From The Daily Beast