second-degree

1 of 2

adjective

sec·​ond-degree ˈse-kən(d)-di-ˈgrē How to pronounce second-degree (audio)
-kᵊŋ-
1
US, of a crime : of a level of seriousness that is less than first degree : warranting punishment but not the most severe punishment
second-degree assault/murder
2
: causing or characterized by a moderate level of injury
a second-degree concussion
see also second-degree burn

second degree

2 of 2

noun

US
: the level of a crime that is less than first degree and warrants less severe punishment
He was charged with assault in the second degree.

Examples of second-degree in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The New York charges include murder in the first degree in furtherance of terrorism, two counts of second-degree murder, including one as an act of terrorism, and several weapons charges. Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025 The Manhattan district attorney’s office has charged Mr. Mangione with first-degree murder, a charge that brands him as a terrorist, as well as weapons charges and two variations of second-degree murder. Hurubie Meko, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
He was found not guilty of misdemeanor assault in the third degree with intent to cause physical injury and misdemeanor aggravated harassment in the second degree. Jen Juneau, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025 Reyes was indicted on charges of first-degree assault, three counts of assault in the second degree and three counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for second-degree

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of second-degree was in 1682

Browse Nearby Entries

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Second-degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-degree. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

second-degree

adjective
: causing or characterized by a moderate level of injury
a second-degree ankle sprain
see also second-degree burn compare first-degree, third-degree

Legal Definition

second degree

noun
sec·​ond degree
: the grade given to the second most serious forms of crimes
assault in the second degree
second-degree adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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