second-line

adjective

sec·​ond-line ˈse-kᵊn(d)-ˈlīn How to pronounce second-line (audio)
: not being the usual or preferred choice
second-line drugs to treat tuberculosis
compare first-line

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of second-line was in 1969

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Second-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-line. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

second-line

adjective
sec·​ond-line ˌsek-ᵊn(d)-ˌlīn How to pronounce second-line (audio)
: being or using a drug that is not the usual or preferred choice compare first-line
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!