second language

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.

second language

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of second language¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

“It’s like a second language to me,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the meticulous coach is less concerned about finding the right words when speaking his second language.

From BBC

And English is a kind of default second language everywhere for all the reasons we all know about, to do with history and the influence of the US now.

From BBC

Because English is a second language for Fingscheidt, she wrote the script loosely, without specific dialogue, leaving it up to the actors to know what to say.

From Los Angeles Times

A presidential contest lasting just over 100 days — less time than it takes to complete a Major League Baseball season, or to gain fluency in a second language.

From Los Angeles Times