second hand

[ sek-uh nd hand for 1; sek-uh nd hand for 2, 3 ]
/ ˈsɛk ənd ˌhænd for 1; ˈsɛk ənd ˈhænd for 2, 3 /

noun

the hand that indicates the seconds on a clock or watch.
an assistant or helper, as to a worker or foreman.

Idioms for second hand

    at second hand, from or through an intermediate source or means; secondhand: She had the news at second hand.

Origin of second hand

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

Example sentences from the Web for second-hand

British Dictionary definitions for second-hand (1 of 2)

second-hand

adjective

previously owned or used
not from an original source or experience
dealing in or selling goods that are not new a second-hand car dealer

adverb

from a source of previously owned or used goods he prefers to buy second-hand
not directly he got the news second-hand

British Dictionary definitions for second-hand (2 of 2)

second hand

noun

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

Idioms and Phrases with second-hand

second hand

see at second hand.