second hand

[sek-uhnd hand, sek-uhnd hand]

noun

1. the hand that indicates the seconds on a clock or watch.

2. an assistant or helper, as to a worker or foreman.

second-hand

¹

adjective

1. previously owned or used

2. not from an original source or experience

3. dealing in or selling goods that are not new

   a second-hand car dealer

adverb

1. from a source of previously owned or used goods

   he prefers to buy second-hand

2. not directly

   he got the news second-hand

second hand

²

noun

1. a pointer on the face of a timepiece that indicates the seconds Compare hour hand minute hand

Word History and Origins

Origin of second-hand¹

1425–75 second hand for def. 3; 1750–60 second hand for def. 1; late Middle English

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at second hand, from or through an intermediate source or means; secondhand.

   She had the news at second hand.

see at second hand.

Example Sentences

Charities and community groups have seen a rise in demand for second-hand school uniform.

From BBC

The main opposition party, the PNP, accused the government of squandering money, citing the high cost of second-hand school buses it had purchased.

From BBC

She said there was "less of a stigma" around second-hand clothes and equipment, and she happily accepted hand-me-downs from friends and family.

From BBC

A family which shopped for school uniforms in the sales and at charity shops said there was "less of a stigma" around second-hand clothes and equipment than in the past, but items had still set them back nearly £800.

From BBC

Jason Yuan, a second-hand car shop owner, closes the hood of a vehicle after tightening the last nut on the battery terminal - a routine he is all too familiar with.

From BBC