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.

---

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

---

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

---

second hand More Idioms  

1. see at second hand.

---

Etymology

Origin of second hand

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

Example Sentences

People at Accrington's indoor car boot sale sell everything from records to second hand tools.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

As a car enthusiast who had bought second hand cars before, Mr Maljian believed he had taken every precaution.

From BBC • Dec. 7, 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

"They brought in second hand clothes for example, that's normal now, but back then it was seen as absolutely radical to have a shopping department store doing that," he said.

From BBC • Aug. 15, 2025

A Timex watch with a second hand and a real leather band and numbers for regular time and numbers for military time.

From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt