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.
After Anthony Volpe’s would-be tying home run in the bottom of the sixth inning turned into a double after video review, the Yankees did not get a runner past second base. — Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 After Anthony Volpe’s would-be tying homer in the bottom of the sixth inning turned into a double on video review, the Yankees did not get a runner past second base. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 In addition to second base, center field and the closer’s role, third base is an issue complicated by Ryan McMahon’s $16 million salary, diminishing glove and paltry offense. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026 So, instead of a two-run homer, it was decided that Volpe would go to second base with an RBI double. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Second base.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20base. Accessed 14 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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