adjective
secondhand
sehkn-HAND
Secondhand (adjective) means Previously owned by someone else; not new. Example: “He bought a secondhand car to save money.”
adjective
1
Previously owned by someone else; not new.
"He bought a secondhand car to save money."
"The bookshop sells only secondhand paperbacks."
How to Use Secondhand
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed rather than brand new.
Common pairings
secondhand car
secondhand clothes
buy secondhand
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He bought a _____ car to save money.
Etymology
From "second" plus "hand" — the idea of passing through a second owner's hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “secondhand” mean?
The word “secondhand” means previously owned by someone else; not new. In plain terms, used rather than brand new.
How do you pronounce “secondhand”?
“Secondhand” is pronounced sehkn-HAND (/ˌsɛk(ə)n(d)ˈhænd/ in IPA).
How do you use “secondhand” in a sentence?
Here is “secondhand” used in a sentence: “He bought a secondhand car to save money.”
What part of speech is “secondhand”?
“Secondhand” is an adjective.