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

With secondhand shopping on the rise, one L.A. store has carved out a niche by helping influencers sell their surplus clothes.

From Los Angeles Times

He was a constant worrier who never let the gas gauge on our secondhand Pontiac fall below three quarters full.”

From The Wall Street Journal

At last the man stopped in front of a small secondhand shop, took out a ring of keys, and let himself in.

From Literature

And they buy their baby stuff secondhand, as these goods depreciate faster than clothing, cars and electronics, they note.

From MarketWatch

New York City resident Kate Caldwell says she picks the slower, cheaper option for nearly everything she buys online, including roasted pistachios, Japanese tea and secondhand books.

From The Wall Street Journal