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• second hand
  second hand

  noun

  the hand that indicates the seconds on a clock or watch.
• second-hand
  second-hand

  adjective

  previously owned or used

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

But Felicity says she bought most of her decorations second hand.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 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

For second hand cars, online marketplace Autotrader says it's "seeing plenty of examples where electric cars are the same price or lower than similar petrol models, specifically in the three to five-year age group".

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

There's also the option to sell items second hand through online marketplaces such as Vinted or eBay.

From BBC • Sep. 15, 2025

It was the scuffling outside in the hallway that pulled his attention away from the sluggish journey of the second hand.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro