sec·ond·hand
ˈse-kən(d)-ˈhand 
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
1
: at second hand : indirectly
heard about it secondhand
2
: as a secondhand item
bought the couch secondhand
: an intermediate person or means : intermediary
—usually used in the phrase at second hand
: 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
Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 19 Mar. 2025
The secondhand apparel market is massive worldwide, and in 2023 was estimated to be worth $197 billion.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 19 Mar. 2025
Sara Hillery, the founder of Sara Hillery Interior Design in Richmond, Virginia, likes to source these types of tables secondhand.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2025
Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2025
This is evident as many thrift and second hand stores have witnessed an influx in fast fashion clothes.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secondhand
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
Technology As resale continues to grow, technology may help make the buying experience feel more natural to consumers, whether regular secondhand shoppers or first-time converts from buying new.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 19 Mar. 2025
The secondhand apparel market is massive worldwide, and in 2023 was estimated to be worth $197 billion.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Adverb
The company’s data shows that just less than half of consumers said personalization and stronger search functions put secondhand and buying new on a level playing field.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 19 Mar. 2025
Sara Hillery, the founder of Sara Hillery Interior Design in Richmond, Virginia, likes to source these types of tables secondhand.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
These strategies include eliminating smoke and exposure to second hand smoke, home visits to identify and reduce triggers, asthma self management education, and environmental practices to reduce asthma triggers indoors, outdoors, and where people work and learn.
—Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2025
This is evident as many thrift and second hand stores have witnessed an influx in fast fashion clothes.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secondhand
Cite this Entry
“Secondhand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secondhand. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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