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
Synonyms
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
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
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
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 
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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
Dictionary Entries Near secondhand
Cite this Entry
“Secondhand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secondhand. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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