Three types of novel hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrodes A, B and C usable for metal hydride secondary batteries are provided. All three types are represented by the general formula AB.sub.x wherein A represents Ti or elements that principally comprise Ti and generate heat upon absorption of hydrogen, B represents Mo and Ni or elements that principally comprise Mo and Ni and absorb heat upon absorption of hydrogen and 0.5.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.2, and are readily producible and difficult to undergo cycle deterioration and need only short activation treatment time. (A) uses a hydrogen-absorbing alloy obtained by quenching and solidifying an alloy melt under an atmosphere of a reducing gas containing hydrogen at a cooling rate of at least 1.times.10.sup.3 .degree. C./sec and having on the surface thereof a hydride layer; (B) uses a hydrogen-absorbing alloy having a composite phase structure comprising a main phase and a subphase, the average areal ratio of said subphase to said main phase in any cross-section of said alloy being 5 to 20%; and (C) uses a hydrogen-absorbing alloy having a composite structure comprising a main phase and subphase, said main phase comprising crystallites having a major axis length (a) of 0.8 to 6 .mu.m and a ratio of the major axis length (a) to minor axis ratio (b), a/b, of not more than 3.