secondhand

American  

[sek-uhnd-hand] / ˈsɛk əndˈhænd /

adjective

1. not directly known or experienced; obtained from others or from books.

   Most of our knowledge is secondhand.

2. previously used or owned.

   secondhand clothes.

3. dealing in previously used goods.

   a secondhand bookseller.

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adverb

1. after another user or owner.

   He bought it secondhand.

2. indirectly; at second hand.

   He heard the news secondhand.

Other Word Forms

• secondhandedness noun

Etymology

Origin of secondhand

First recorded in 1645–55; second ¹ + hand

Example Sentences

Rolex is likely only breaking even on its official secondhand watch program.

From The Wall Street Journal

For years, most American consumers shunned giving secondhand gifts.

From The Wall Street Journal

If you’re willing to put in the time, you could also shop at secondhand stores.

From MarketWatch

She created Petersham Nurseries Café, with a dirt floor, wobbly old chairs, secondhand cooking gear installed in a former potting shed, and a simple menu based on whatever was growing in the adjacent garden.

From The Wall Street Journal

The AI can help find look-alikes or secondhand vendors that might still have it.

From The Wall Street Journal