WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
ˈsec•ond ˈclass, n. [uncountable]
adj., ˈsec•ond-ˈclass.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- the class of seating below first class but above third class.
adj., ˈsec•ond-ˈclass.
- of a secondary quality:second-class seating.
- second-rate;
not excellent:The university was now a second-class institution. - Governmentnot allowed to have certain rights or privileges:treated like second-class citizens.
sec′ond class′,
adv.
- 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. Cf. cabin class.
- Stamps(in the U.S. Postal Service) the class of mail consisting of newspapers and periodicals not sealed against postal inspection.
- British Termsthe second of three honors degrees conferred by a British university.
- 1830–40
- of a secondary class or quality.
- second-rate;
inferior.
adv.
- Stampsby second-class mail or passenger accommodations:to travel second-class.
- 1830–40