second hand meaning

UK /ˈsɛkənd hænd/ US /ˈsɛkənd hænd/ 3 syllables

second hand (noun): an intermediate person; used in the phrase `at second hand'.

second hand has 3 meanings in this dictionary, as noun and adverb.

second hand as a noun

  1. an intermediate person; used in the phrase `at second hand'
    • he could learn at second hand from books

    Type of: mediator

  2. hand marking seconds on a timepiece

    Type of: hand

    Kinds: sweep hand

second hand as an adverb

  1. from a source of previously owned goods
    • I prefer to buy second hand

    Related forms: secondhand

How to pronounce second hand

second hand is pronounced /ˈsɛkənd hænd/ in British English and /ˈsɛkənd hænd/ in American English. It has 3 syllables.

More about second hand on Wikipedia.