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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

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

From BBC • Dec. 7, 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

The second hand market is also growing, but from a low base.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

The salvaged materials are sold to costume designers, ravers, and people in the burlesque industry, who save by buying second hand.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2025

The glass face, the hour hand, and the minute hand'd gone and only a bent second hand was left.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell