second cousin

noun

1. a child of a first cousin of one's parent.

second cousin

noun

1. the child of a first cousin of either of one's parents

Word History and Origins

Origin of second cousin¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Idioms and Phrases

Something that is related or similar but not quite the same, as in This beef stew is second cousin to boeuf bourguignon. This expression transfers the literal sense of second cousin —that is, the child of the first cousin of one's mother or father—a usage dating from the mid-1600s.

Example Sentences

He’s meeting a Portsmouth ship arriving from India bearing his second cousin, Angela and — a surprise to Lenox — her lifelong friend and companion, an Indian girl named Sari.

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"It's hard to have a 'special' child. We love them the same, but we suffer for them," says Inés, who is married to a second cousin.

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Earlier this month, she hosted a carol service at Westminster Abbey alongside Lady Gabriella Windsor, the King's second cousin.

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The second cousin of King Charles enjoyed her role in the service and was excited to take part after a difficult year, the BBC understands.

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"There are countless parents who have lost a child after sending them to the military," he adds, recalling his second cousin who died.

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