second gentleman

Informal, sec·ond gent

[sek-uhnd jen-tl-muhn]

noun

plural

second gentlemen 

1. Often Second Gentleman the husband of the U.S. vice president, or the husband of a current state or local official ranking immediately below the governor or mayor.

   America's first Second Gentleman.

2. Often Second Gentleman the husband of the second-ranking government official of any country.

Word History and Origins

Origin of second gentleman¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

After Biden announces his withdrawal, First Lady Jill Biden welcomes Second Gentleman Emhoff into the fray, advising: “Be careful what you wish for. You’re about to see how horrible the world is.”

From Los Angeles Times

“One of the best parts of my time as Second Gentleman was spending time with these students and young people all around the country — so I look forward to continuing to share my experiences with the next generation and hearing from them in the vibrant academic community at USC,” Emhoff said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

“I got behind her. Her husband” — former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff — “has thanked me a number of times when he’s seen me in person.”

From Los Angeles Times

Second Lady Usha Vance’s old law firm opposes the president’s intimidation effort while former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff is crossways with his law firm.

From Los Angeles Times

As it happens, the nation’s former second gentleman, as Doug Emhoff was known, is also crossways with his legal firm.

From Los Angeles Times