second base

noun

1
: the base that must be touched second by a base runner in baseball
2
: the player position for defending the area on the first-base side of second base
3
slang + impolite : amorous touching or caressing especially of the breasts
usually used in phrases like get to second base or reach second base
We had started making out, but he had only gotten to second base so far.Helene Cooper
compare first base sense 4, home base sense 3, third base sense 3
second baseman noun

Examples of second base in a Sentence

He slid into second base. He used to play second base for the Red Sox.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He was ejected after a heated discussion with crew chief Chris Guccione, who was manning second base. Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 In the bottom of the ninth inning and a runner on second base for the Rockies with two outs, McCarthy had the opportunity to at least tie the game and force extra innings with a base knock to knot things up at two runs apiece. Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Moments before, with Wells still at the plate and the Yankees leading 7-1, Flemming and color analyst Will Middlebrooks vented about Chisholm stealing second base and third base during the at-bat. Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026 After pinch-runner Kenny Piper stole second base, Chandler Simpson was intentionally walked to load the bases. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for second base

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of second base was in 1848

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Cite this Entry

“Second base.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20base. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

second base

noun
: the base that must be touched second by a base runner in baseball or the position of the player defending the area around it
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