second language

noun
UK: /ˌsekənd ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/
US: /ˌsekənd ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/

  1. A language that someone learns after they have learned their first language.

    1. I study my second language every day after school.
    2. Learning a second language can significantly improve your cognitive abilities and broaden your career prospects.

  2. Relating to the teaching or learning of a language that is not someone's first language.

    1. She teaches second language at the community college.
    2. The university offers several courses in second language acquisition and teaching methodologies.

Synonyms

target language

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "second language" in English means: A language that someone learns after they have learned their first language., Relating to the teaching or learning of a language that is not someone's first language..

The phonetic transcription of "second language" is /ˌsekənd ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/ in British English and /ˌsekənd ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "second language": target language.

Example usage of "second language": "I study my second language every day after school.". More examples on the page.