second-largest

UK: ˈsɛkənd ˈlɑːdʒɪst | US: ˈsɛkənd ˈlɑːrdʒɪst

Definition

  1. adj. being the next largest after the largest in size, quantity, or importance

Structure
second <next in order>largest <superlative of large>
Etymology

The word combines "second," derived from Latin secundus (following, next), with "largest," the superlative form of "large" (from Latin largus, meaning abundant). The hyphenated compound logically denotes the immediate runner-up in scale or significance, preserving the original spelling of both morphemes.

Examples

  1. Canada is the second-largest country by land area.

  2. The second-largest shareholder opposed the merger.

  3. Their team finished as the second-largest fundraiser.

  4. This species is the second-largest bird in the region.

  5. The second-largest city often rivals the capital in cultural influence.