How to Pronounce Second

To pronounce "second", say SEC-ond — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈsɛkɪnd/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

second

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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2

Syllables

6

Letters

/ˈsɛkɪnd/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “second”

"second" has 2 syllables: sec-ond. It rhymes with reckon and beckon, if that helps it stick.

What does second mean?

noun

  1. Something that is number two in a series.
  2. Something that is next in rank, quality, precedence, position, status, or authority.

verb

  1. To agree as a second person to (a proposal), usually to reach a necessary quorum of two. (See under #Etymology 3 for translations.)

    “I second the motion.”

  2. To follow in the next place; to succeed.

adjective

  1. Number-two; following after the first one with nothing between them. The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number two.

    “He lives on Second Street.”

  2. Next to the first in value, power, excellence, dignity, or rank; secondary; subordinate; inferior.

Synonyms

secondertwothother

Hear “second” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with second

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

reckonbeckonvectionflectionreckonedmillisecondlectionbeckonedsecondenanosecondsecundcheck-in

Related words

secmomentinstantintermediateendorsementendorseindorseforward

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "second"?▾

"Second" has 2 syllables: sec · ond.

What is the IPA transcription of "second"?▾

The IPA transcription of "second" is /ˈsɛkɪnd/.

What does "second" mean?▾

Second: Something that is number two in a series.

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