secondhand

1 of 4

adjective

sec·​ond·​hand ˈse-kən(d)-ˈhand 

1

a

: received from or through an intermediary : borrowed

b

: derivative

secondhand ideas

2

a

: acquired after being used by another : not new

secondhand books

b

: dealing in secondhand merchandise

a secondhand bookstore

secondhand

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adverb

1

: at second hand : indirectly

heard about it secondhand

2

: as a secondhand item

bought the couch secondhand

second hand

3 of 4

noun (1)

ˌse-kən(d)-ˈhand 

: an intermediate person or means : intermediary

—usually used in the phrase at second hand

second hand

4 of 4

noun (2)

ˈsek-ən(d)-ˌhand 

: the hand marking seconds on a timepiece

Synonyms of secondhand

Adjective

• secondary
• derivative

Examples of secondhand in a Sentence

Adjective

a dealer in secondhand furniture

He's always haunting the secondhand shops for bargains.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

While imposing administrative burdens, the regulation is expected to supercharge the already booming secondhand fashion market, which grew four times faster than primary retail last year. — Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

In addition to the sale, Anthro also offers incredible discounts on secondhand NUULY finds, like this cute Linen Blend A-Line Skirt, which was $138 and is now $30. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 25 June 2026

Adverb

At the film’s end, Abbie Cornish as Fanny hears secondhand about Keats’s death and utters a cry that is almost too much to bear — a cry that feels too real. — Sarah Chihaya, Vulture, 16 July 2026

But the designer version is difficult to find, even secondhand, and costs a hefty $1,070. — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026

Noun

Rex’s first floor is filled with second hand clothing, shoes and accessories. — Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026

The Hudson Valley, which is about two hours from New York City, is known for its vibrant art scene and farm-to-table dining—think second hand stores, art galleries, and vintage furniture shops are ideal for browsing. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

1795, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1759, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing secondhand

• secondhand smoke

Rhymes for secondhand

• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand
• hinterland
• motherland

Kids Definition

secondhand

1 of 2 adjective

sec·​ond·​hand

ˌsek-ən-ˈhand

1

: not original : taken from someone else

secondhand reports

2

a

: having had a previous owner

a secondhand car

b

: selling used goods

a secondhand store

secondhand adverb

second hand

2 of 2 noun

: the hand marking seconds on a timepiece