number two

American  

noun

1. someone or something that is second in rank, order, or importance.

2. defecation: used especially by or with reference to children.

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idioms

1. make / do / go number two, to defecate: used especially by or with reference to children.

number two British  

noun

1. euphemistic the act or an instance of defecation

2. a haircut in which the hair is cut close to the head with an electric shaver

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Etymology

Origin of number two

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

He chose as his number two a heavy metal guitarist from San Francisco — stage name “Turmoil” — who is a progressive Democrat.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Demand has also been weaker in China due to a prolonged slowdown in the world's number two economy.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

The world number two got one over on his arch nemesis Littler after a long wait as he claimed a first victory over the 19-year-old since last year's Premier League final in May.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Secret ingredient number two: a small drizzle of beef bouillon paste.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

Number two for was exciting; number two against was crazy, question mark.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez