The meaning of SECONDARY is of second rank, importance, or value. How to use secondary in a sentence.

If you describe something as secondary, you mean that it is less important than something else. The street erupted in a huge explosion, with secondary explosions in the adjoining buildings. …

A coach’s first responsibility is to the team – everything else is secondary.

Dec 14, 2025 · secondary (not generally comparable, comparative more secondary, superlative most secondary) Next in order to the first or primary; of second place in origin, rank, etc.

(prenominal) of or relating to the education of young people between the ages of 11 and 18: secondary education (of the flight feathers of a bird's wing) growing from the ulna

Define secondary. secondary synonyms, secondary pronunciation, secondary translation, English dictionary definition of secondary. adj. 1. Second or lower in rank or importance; not primary: …

SECONDARY definition: next after the first in order, place, time, etc. See examples of secondary used in a sentence.

Secondary definition: Of, relating to, or being the shorter flight feathers projecting along the inner edge of a bird's wing.

There are 82 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word secondary, six of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

SECONDARY meaning: 1 : not as important or valuable as something else often + to; 2 : of or relating to education of students who have completed primary school