secondhand

[sek-uhnd-hand]

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.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of secondhand¹

First recorded in 1645–55; second ¹ + hand

Example Sentences

Authorities also said that Robinson was living with and in a romantic relationship with a trans person, drawing from a secondhand account from Robinson’s mother.

From Salon

It suggested car seats should not be bought secondhand, as they might have been involved in an accident and damage to the seat may be unclear.

From BBC

The bandmates dressed in secondhand suits that made them look posh to some and, perhaps more damningly, refused to flatten their class identity into something easily legible.

From Los Angeles Times

But Labubus can sell for double or triple their price on the secondhand market due to their popularity.

From Los Angeles Times

"I was not there. I didn't witness it with my own eyes. I heard about it through secondhand reporting. But again, we've moved on from that. The president has moved on from that."

From Salon