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

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

The boost was largest for scientists who write in English as a second language and face extra hurdles when communicating technical work in a foreign language.

From Science Daily • Dec. 24, 2025

However, “Prema” marks his first attempt at writing songs of his own in English, his second language, a challenge he has taken head-on.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2025

Whoever it was spoke haltingly, as if English was its second language.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan