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

See Examples For:

second language

“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

There were girls in hijab, girls for whom English was a second language, girls whose skin made up every shade of brown.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama