sec
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sec
2
American
[sek]
/ sɛk /
adjective
sec
3
American
[sek]
/ sɛk /
noun
Informal.
SEC
4
American
Or
S.E.C.
U.S. Government.
sec.
5
American
abbreviation
-
second.
-
secondary.
-
secretary.
-
section.
-
sector.
-
according to.
sec
1
British
/ sɛk /
abbreviation
sec
2
British
/ sɛk /
adjective
-
(of wines) dry
-
(of champagne) of medium sweetness
SEC
3
British
abbreviation
sec.
4
British
abbreviation
-
second (of time)
-
secondary
-
secretary
-
section
-
sector
sec
5
British
/ sɛk /
noun
sec
Scientific
Etymology
Origin of sec2
From French, dating back to 1885–90; see origin at sack 3
Origin of sec3
First recorded in 1955–60; by shortening
Origin of sec.5
From the Latin word secundum
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"I was waving at my friend and sister like 'I'll be home in a sec just doing a loop round the block!'," he says about the Europa League celebrations.
From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026
Caporale suggests adding agave nectar to sweeten the lime juice base, along with orange juice or orange peel to compensate for the lack of triple sec.
From Salon • Jan. 18, 2026
Unperturbed by the battle unfolding behind him, Marquez crossed the finish line in 40 min 09.249 sec.
From Barron's • Oct. 26, 2025
The Trojans are 5-1 in a new era where even two-loss teams can qualify and, OK, just play along here for a sec.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 12, 2025
They looked at each other for a sec, and then Mong looked away.
From "We Were Here" by Matt De La Peña
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.
