thirdhand

adjective

third·​hand ˈthərd-ˈhand How to pronounce thirdhand (audio)
1
: received from or through two intermediaries
thirdhand information
2
a
: acquired after being used by two previous owners
b
: dealing in thirdhand merchandise

Examples of thirdhand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On social media the same day, users amplified similar claims with thirdhand accounts. — Maria Ramirez Uribe and Amy Sherman, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024 This message is conveyed to me thirdhand, via the guy who ran the small Detroit label that put out the first White Stripes seven-inches back in 1998, who has spoken with the band’s extremely introverted drummer’s close friend, who apparently has delivered my request to the woman herself. — Melissa Giannini, ELLE, 1 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thirdhand was in 1598

Rhymes for thirdhand

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Browse Nearby Words

third-generation
thirdhand
third house
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Cite this Entry

“Thirdhand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thirdhand. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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