What does secondhand mean?
Secondhand describes something that was previously owned or used, especially a car, appliance, book, article of clothing, or piece of furniture. It may also describe information, reports, or accounts that come from someone other than the original source. The distinction is clear in comparisons such as “a firsthand account” versus “a secondhand account.” When referring to objects, secondhand is usually neutral, although buyers sometimes use it as a concise alternative to the fuller phrase “previously owned.” In reference to information, it can suggest that the speaker did not witness or experience the event personally and may imply that further verification is needed. The word is particularly common in British and American English, both as an adjective and, less frequently, as an adverb in expressions such as “sold secondhand.”
Previously owned or used, rather than new; not firsthand or directly obtained from the original source.
"We drove the secondhand car to the coast."
Common with goods and vehicles; with information, it may suggest that the account is less reliable than a firsthand account.
In a secondhand manner, through a previous owner or through an intermediary source.
"The artwork was acquired secondhand at an auction."
Used chiefly in phrases such as “buy secondhand” and “sold secondhand.”
One word captures both an object's previous owner and information that reached you only by word of mouth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does secondhand come from?
The word dates from the early 19th century and is formed from “second” and “hand,” with the sense of something passing from a second owner or source. Its development was reinforced by the French expression de seconde main, meaning “of second hand.” The “hand” element also underlies figurative uses for information received through an intermediary rather than directly.
How secondhand is actually used
The adjective is especially common before goods, vehicles, clothing, and furniture, though it can also follow a noun, as in “buy it secondhand.” “Secondhand information” often carries an implication of uncertainty or unreliability. The adverbial use, as in “sold secondhand,” is standard but less frequent than attributive use.