hand-me-down 1 of 2

Definition of hand-me-downnext
as in secondhand
owned or used by someone after it had been owned or used by someone else
used especially of clothing
He was wearing an old, hand-me-down jacket.

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hand-me-down

2 of 2

noun

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hand-me-down
Adjective
And how many work tasks are done in workplaces every day to satisfy hand-me-down key results and not for the betterment of either employees or customers? Big Think, 20 Feb. 2026 From tiaras to pearl-drop earrings, here’s a list of the royal hand-me-downs Kate Middleton has inherited from Princess Diana through her husband. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 26 June 2026 The bone-chilling video looks like it's being shot in an actual environment, but Parsons created it with his hand-me-down laptop using Blender, a free graphics software. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 27 May 2026 Tweets featuring antisemitic dog whistles are also blasted onto an enormous dashboard — hand-me-down technology formerly used by the Patriots during team practice to run plays. Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand-me-down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand-me-down
Adjective
  • While imposing administrative burdens, the regulation is expected to supercharge the already booming secondhand fashion market, which grew four times faster than primary retail last year.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • In addition to the sale, Anthro also offers incredible discounts on secondhand NUULY finds, like this cute Linen Blend A-Line Skirt, which was $138 and is now $30.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The subject remains a sensitive one in Indonesia, and the film reflects it subtly – a throwaway line at the start describes how a Chinese character has had to register his business under his, supposedly, native Indonesian son-in-law.
    Marcus Lim, Variety, 18 June 2026
  • Plastic throwaway containers have become a part of our everyday lives.
    Kelley Dennings, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • But the Hurricanes turned speedy castaways like Ehlers, Miller, Taylor Hall and Eric Robinson into Cup champions.
    Murat Ates, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • Rams castaway Cooper Kupp still boasts an unexpected wry sense of humor.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • On Saturday in Philadelphia, Gustavo Alfaro’s team turned up against France looking for a scrap.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • In his second scrap under the UFC banner, Adriano Martins knocked out Makhachev in the first round.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hand-me-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand-me-down. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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