relating to a category or level that is next to the highest or most serious in a series, especially to a crime less serious than the first degree, such as second-degree murder or second-degree assault.
relating to a category that is next to the lowest or least serious in a series, especially to a burn more serious than a first-degree burn but not as serious as a third-degree burn.
(of a relative) being connected by blood through another immediate blood relative. Aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, grandparents and grandchildren, and half-siblings are second-degree relatives.
a category or level that is next to the highest or most serious in a series, especially with reference to a crime, such as grand theft of the second degree.
a category that is next to the lowest or least serious in a series, or that comes after or below the first degree.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The officer involved was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to seven years in prison.
From Salon ● Apr. 6, 2026
In 2021, a Minnesota jury convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on a second-degree murder charge in connection with the 2020 in-custody death of George Floyd.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 9, 2026
Earlier this year, Jackson secured an acquittal on second-degree murder charges for Karen Read, who was charged with killing her boyfriend, a Boston police officer.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 16, 2025
Chauvin was eventually found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 23, 2025
Beverly Tison, Garrett's wife, sustained multiple second-degree burns, leaving her in serious condition.
From "Dear Martin" by Nic Stone
The second degree impact of inflation has yet to play out.
From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026
After completing a degree in computer engineering at Sussex University, she worked in IT while also gaining a second degree in law.
From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2024
Karen Read, 44, of Mansfield, faces several charges including second degree murder in the death of John O’Keefe, 46, in 2022.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 28, 2024
The only charge that related to actions outside the SUV was harassment in the second degree.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 21, 2023
“Those of us who have reached the second degree wear it like that,” said Eric.
From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
