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

At Selah, he made a point of showing visitors that his fences were made of old telephone poles, salvaged cable and eye bolts bought secondhand in bulk for 5 cents a pound.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tolles, 24, positioned herself as an affordable and accessible option for renters, specializing in sourcing secondhand.

From Los Angeles Times

I experienced a secondhand childhood shiver of being prompted to write a thank-you note.

From Los Angeles Times

“Turing came out of the secondhand shop. He was pushing a pram.”

From Literature

Two years later, their love of thrifting, antiquing, bargaining and restoring has turned their Westwood rental into a showcase of “secondhand treasures,” says Van Hulsen, 28, who works as a commercial contract specialist.

From Los Angeles Times