secondhand Hear it!

secondhand Definition

second·hand (-hand′)

adjective

  1. not direct from the original source; not original
  2. used or worn previously by another; not new
  3. of or dealing in merchandise that is not new

adverb

not firsthand; not directly

secondhand Synonyms

secondhand

modif.

used, not new, reclaimed, renewed, re-used, old, worn, borrowed, hand-me-down, pre-owned, derived, not original.

secondhand Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • smoke: Exposure to secondhand smoke at work is also the second most common trigger of asthma attacks.
  • bookshop: A small recently opened general secondhand bookshop with room to grow.
  • bookstore: My local secondhand bookstore, Books on Bronte, takes full advantage of its large front glass window.
  • diamond: As Mark Twain said " Let us not be too particular; it is better to have old secondhand diamonds than none at all.
  • smoking: September: TUC pass a motion at Congress on secondhand smoking in the workplace.
  • dealer: Or a secondhand dealer may purchase them from you.

Used with adjective complement

  • sell: Bits ' n ' Bikes - a UK-based service selling secondhand Honda parts, especially 400s.