second-class
[ sek-uh nd-klas, -klahs ]
/ ˈsɛk əndˈklæs, -ˈklɑs /
adjective
of a secondary class or quality.
second-rate; inferior.
adverb
by second-class mail or passenger accommodations: to travel second-class.
Origin of second-class
First recorded in 1830–40
Words nearby second-class
Definition for second-class (2 of 2)
second class
noun
the class of travel accommodations, as on a train, that are less costly and luxurious than first class but are more costly and luxurious than third class.
Compare cabin class.
(in the U.S. Postal Service) the class of mail consisting of newspapers and periodicals not sealed against postal inspection.
the second of three honors degrees conferred by a British university.
Origin of second class
First recorded in 1830–40
Example sentences from the Web for second-class
British Dictionary definitions for second-class
second class
noun
the class or grade next in value, quality, etc, to the first
adjective
adverb
by second-class mail, transport, etc
Idioms and Phrases with second-class
second class
Inferior; see second best.
Travel accommodations ranking below the highest or first class, as in Traveling second class on European trains is not only cheaper but gives you more contact with local people. [c. 1840]
In the United States and Canada, a category of mail consisting of periodicals and newspapers. [c. 1870]
second-class citizen. An individual regarded or treated as inferior to others in status or rights, an underprivileged person. For example, In many countries women still are considered second-class citizens. This term uses second class in the sense of “inferior.” [c. 1940]