second language

American  

noun

1. a language learned by a person after their native language, especially as a resident of an area where their new language is in general use.

2. a language widely used, especially in educational and governmental functions in a region where all or most of its speakers are nonnative, as English in India or Nigeria.

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second language British  

noun

1. a language other than the mother tongue that a person or community uses for public communication, esp in trade, higher education, and administration

2. a non-native language officially recognized and adopted in a multilingual country as a means of public communication

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Etymology

Origin of second language

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

“In many ways, Steven’s first language is cinema, and Steven’s second language is existing in the real world,” she says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

The resolution calls for expanding dual language preschool programs, to ensure that all elementary dual language programs have a linked preschool that would enable families to start their children learning a second language earlier.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

AI detectors, for example, have a tendency to erroneously flag essays written by speakers of English as a second language, a 2023 Stanford analysis External link found.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Yes, English is his second language and my first.

From Slate • Apr. 12, 2026

Her body conveyed anger like a second language; she must have had a lot of practice.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon