second hand

American  

[sek-uhnd hand, sek-uhnd hand] / ˈsɛk ənd ˌhænd, ˈsɛk ənd ˈhænd /

noun

1. the hand that indicates the seconds on a clock or watch.

2. an assistant or helper, as to a worker or foreman.

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idioms

1. at second hand, from or through an intermediate source or means; secondhand.

   She had the news at second hand.

second-hand ¹ British  

adjective

1. previously owned or used

2. not from an original source or experience

3. dealing in or selling goods that are not new

   a second-hand car dealer

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adverb

1. from a source of previously owned or used goods

   he prefers to buy second-hand

2. not directly

   he got the news second-hand

second hand ² British  

noun

1. a pointer on the face of a timepiece that indicates the seconds Compare hour hand minute hand

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second hand More Idioms  

1. see at second hand.

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Etymology

Origin of second hand

1425–75 second hand for def. 3; 1750–60 second hand for def. 1; late Middle English

Example Sentences

The government had already dropped plans to include second hand cars in the ban, and now it has decided to scrap the policy altogether.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

A reuse charity is asking people to consider second hand this Black Friday as part of an alternative national campaign called Buy Nothing New.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

"A lot of people like browsing through second hand furniture and often find stuff which is as good as new for a quarter of the price."

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

She also said Wolverhampton had numerous second hand uniform banks, based at community centres and churches around the city.

From BBC • Aug. 30, 2025

The second hand was moving in slow motion.

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence