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 Words From

• second·handed·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of secondhand¹

First recorded in 1645–55; second ¹ + hand

Example Sentences

In many ways, entering a thrift store, shopping secondhand online or even borrowing clothing from a friend is like engaging with one massive lost-and-found bin.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m kind of a scavenger,” U.K.-based designer Ellen Poppy Hill says of her approach to secondhand fabric sourcing.

From Los Angeles Times

The Mammoth Gear Exchange, a secondhand sporting goods shop on a corner of Bishop’s main intersection, is a local landmark and regular haunt for climbers.

From Los Angeles Times

She adds that one of her favorite things is getting secondhand therapy from other people.

From Los Angeles Times

Newsom vetoed a similar bill last year over concerns that food workers and patrons could face health risks after being exposed to secondhand smoke.

From Los Angeles Times