secondhand

1 of 4

adjective

sec·​ond·​hand ˈse-kən(d)-ˈhand How to pronounce secondhand (audio)
1
a
: received from or through an intermediary : borrowed
b
: derivative
secondhand ideas
2
a
: acquired after being used by another : not new
secondhand books
b
: dealing in secondhand merchandise
a secondhand bookstore

secondhand

2 of 4

adverb

1
: at second hand : indirectly
heard about it secondhand
2
: as a secondhand item
bought the couch secondhand

second hand

3 of 4

noun (1)

: an intermediate person or means : intermediary
usually used in the phrase at second hand

second hand

4 of 4

noun (2)

: the hand marking seconds on a timepiece

Examples of secondhand in a Sentence

Adjective a dealer in secondhand furniture He's always haunting the secondhand shops for bargains.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
Meanwhile, the $45 billion secondhand luxury market continues its relentless rise, growing twice as fast as the personal luxury market, according to Bain & Co. Matteo Atti, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Jessica Klein October 30, 2024 7:17 AM EDT With roughly 4.5 million pre-worn clothing items in its inventory, the online shop ThredUp is employing AI to help customers take the guesswork out of secondhand shopping. Jessica Klein, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024
Adverb
Most trustworthy sellers understand that an investment, even secondhand, is worth consideration. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2024 For those who prefer buying trends secondhand, may the vintage suiting odds be ever in your favour. Ebony-Renee Baker, refinery29.com, 30 Apr. 2024
Noun
That is clear in these second hand prices for a two year-old phone. Janhoi McGregor, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024 This means that one new watch face, an attractive analog face called Reflections, has a second hand that keeps ticking by even when your watch is by your side. David Phelan, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for secondhand 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

1795, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of secondhand was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near secondhand

second-guess

secondhand

second hand

Cite this Entry

“Secondhand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secondhand. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

secondhand

1 of 2 adjective
sec·​ond·​hand
ˌsek-ən-ˈhand
1
: not original : taken from someone else
secondhand reports
2
a
: having had a previous owner
a secondhand car
b
: selling used goods
a secondhand store
secondhand adverb

second hand

2 of 2 noun
: the hand marking seconds on a timepiece

More from Merriam-Webster on secondhand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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