sec·ond-degree
ˈse-kən(d)-di-ˈgrē 
-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
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
Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
The 42-year-old woman is facing one count of second-degree manslaughter.
—Wcco Staff, CBS News, 14 June 2026
Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 10 June 2026
Daniels later pleaded no contest to evading a police officer, court records show, in a deal that saw prosecutors dismiss numerous other charges, including second degree burglary of a vehicle and four counts of assault on a police officer.
—Harry Harris, Mercury News, 8 June 2026
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Adjective
The jury accepted Jordan’s claim and convicted her of manslaughter, the lesser charge to second-degree murder.
—Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
The 42-year-old woman is facing one count of second-degree manslaughter.
—Wcco Staff, CBS News, 14 June 2026
Noun
Wondra was charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping in the second degree, destruction of evidence and a persistent violator enhancement, which can be added by prosecutors when someone has been convicted of at least three felonies.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 10 June 2026
Daniels later pleaded no contest to evading a police officer, court records show, in a deal that saw prosecutors dismiss numerous other charges, including second degree burglary of a vehicle and four counts of assault on a police officer.
—Harry Harris, Mercury News, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for second-degree
Cite this Entry
“Second-degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-degree. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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