# seconds

/ˈsɛkəndz/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/seconds
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. units of time

noun · CEFR A1

more than one unit of time; there are sixty of these in one minute.

For teachers: the plural form of the SI unit of time.

- The race was so close that only two seconds separated the winner from the runner-up.
- The digital timer tracks the countdown in seconds, providing a precise visual cue for the laboratory technicians during the experiment.

### 2. extra food

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a second portion of food or drink after you have finished your first one.

For teachers: an additional helping of food or a refill of a beverage served after the initial portion has been consumed.

- The dinner was so delicious that almost everyone asked for seconds.
- Despite having already consumed a substantial main course, several guests were eager for seconds of the homemade apple crumble.

### 3. imperfect goods

noun · CEFR B2

products that have small mistakes and are sold at a lower price.

For teachers: manufactured items, particularly clothing or textiles, that have failed quality control and are sold at a discount.

- I bought these towels as seconds because they had a few loose threads, but they work perfectly.
- The factory outlet specialises in selling seconds, allowing consumers to purchase high-end designer labels at a fraction of the retail price due to minor aesthetic flaws.

## Examples

- The cake is so delicious that I want seconds.
- After everyone finished their main course, the host asked if anyone would like seconds of the roast beef.
- While the portions were generous enough to satisfy most guests, the teenagers at the end of the table were already eyeing the kitchen for seconds before the first course was cleared.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.