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.
An assessment of the injured was ongoing, prosecutors said, adding that the reported injuries included second-degree burns.
From Barron's ● Nov. 1, 2026
Only 20% of the patients had a first- or second-degree family history of colorectal cancer.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026
Extreme emotional disturbance would allow the jury to consider the less severe charge of manslaughter, rather than second-degree murder.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026
They were each charged with unlawful taking of a vehicle and second-degree burglary — both counts enhanced with allegations that they have prior criminal records and the crimes required sophistication and professionalism to carry out.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026
She had to do something about the second-degree burn right now.
From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz
The second degree impact of inflation has yet to play out.
From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said at a news conference that her office charged Trooper Ryan Londregan with second-degree unintentional murder, first-degree assault and second degree manslaughter in the death of Cobb.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 24, 2024
The only charge that related to actions outside the SUV was harassment in the second degree.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 21, 2023
The Marvel actor was found not guilty on one count of intentional assault in the third degree and aggravated harassment in the second degree.
From Salon ● Dec. 18, 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
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
