second base: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1Informal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “second base” mean?
In baseball, the second of the four bases that a runner must touch to score a run.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In baseball, the second of the four bases that a runner must touch to score a run.
Commonly used as a metaphor in North American culture to refer to a specific level of physical intimacy in dating, particularly in the context of the "base" system where 'first base' is kissing, 'second base' is intimate touching above the waist.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The literal baseball term is understood in the UK but used much less frequently. The metaphorical 'intimacy' meaning is predominantly a North American cultural export; it is recognised in the UK through media but is not a native or commonly used expression in British English. British speakers are more likely to describe stages of physical intimacy directly or use different metaphors.
Connotations
In the US, the metaphorical use carries strong cultural associations with teenage/young adult dating rituals and high school culture. It can sound juvenile or humorous when used by adults. In the UK, its use often marks the speaker as adopting an Americanism or referencing American pop culture.
Frequency
High frequency in American English for the metaphorical sense in informal contexts among younger speakers. Low frequency in British English for either sense, with the literal sense being the more likely of the two.
Grammar
How to Use “second base” in a Sentence
The shortstop threw the ball to [second base].He tried to steal [second base].They got to [second base] on their third date.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “second base” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The runner was tagged out while attempting to second-base.
- (Note: 'to second-base' as a verb is extremely rare in UK English)
American English
- Did he second-base her? (informal, metaphorical)
- The coach told him not to second-base on that signal.
adverb
British English
- He slid second-base. (rare, technically possible in sports commentary)
American English
- He ran second-base. (rare, as above)
adjective
British English
- The second-base coach gave the signal.
- (Strictly attributive, baseball context)
American English
- They had a second-base moment. (informal, metaphorical)
- He's our second-base hitter in the lineup.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically in phrases like 'We need to cover second base on this project' meaning to ensure a secondary critical aspect is addressed. This is a creative extension and not a fixed term.
Academic
Virtually unused outside of papers on sports history, sociology of American culture, or linguistics discussing metaphor.
Everyday
Common in informal American English for discussing relationships/sports. Recognised but seldom used in British everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in baseball rulebooks, coaching manuals, and sports commentary.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “second base”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “second base”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “second base”
- Using 'second base' in formal writing without clarification. / Using the metaphorical sense in UK English where it may cause confusion. / Confusing 'second base' with 'second hand' (e.g., second-hand information).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The literal baseball term is understood in other English-speaking countries where baseball is played (e.g., Japan, Caribbean nations). The metaphorical 'intimacy' meaning is primarily North American but has spread via global media, so it is often recognised, if not commonly used, elsewhere.
Yes, but informally. In the metaphorical sense, you might hear 'to second-base (someone)' in very casual American slang. In baseball, it's not standard; you'd say 'to steal second' or 'to reach second'.
There is no direct, universally-used British English metaphor equivalent to the baseball-based system. British speakers are more likely to use direct, if still informal, language or different euphemisms (e.g., 'getting off with someone', 'seeing someone', 'being intimate').
No, it is highly informal and context-specific. Using it in professional or academic writing would be considered unprofessional or overly colloquial, unless the writing is specifically analysing the term itself in a cultural or linguistic context.
In baseball, the second of the four bases that a runner must touch to score a run.
Second base is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Second base: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsek.ənd ˈbeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsek.ənd ˈbeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to cover all the bases”
- “to get to first base”
- “to be off base”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a baseball diamond: 1st (kiss), 2nd (touch), 3rd (oral), Home (intercourse). It's a 'run' through the bases of intimacy.
Conceptual Metaphor
ROMANTIC/PHYSICAL PROGRESS IS A JOURNEY AROUND THE BASEBALL DIAMOND / ACHIEVEMENT IS REACHING A BASE.
Practice
Quiz
In informal North American English, what does the phrase 'getting to second base' typically refer to?