handed

adjective

hand·​ed ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce handed (audio)
1
: having a hand or hands especially of a specified kind or number
usually used in combination
a large-handed man
2
: using a specified hand or number of hands
used in combination
right-handed
a one-handed catch

Examples of handed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
After leaving the first game of the Baltimore Orioles series early due to a right elbow injury, right handed starting pitcher Edward Cabrera is expected to return to the mound and pitch in the Marlins’ upcoming homestand. Kaitlyn Pohly, Miami Herald, 18 July 2025 This is not a heavy handed lecture and you will not be made to feel like a terrible person at any point in time while watching. Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025 This isn't the first time a cat has been caught red handed getting up to no good on the kitchen counter. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025 Catapulted by a two-goal second period by Tim Holton — including a short handed dagger with one second left — and a 22-save shutout by Noel Adams, Dedham handed Hudson its first blanking of the season to secure a bid to the state final against the winner of No. 1 Stoneham versus No. 5 Winthrop. Jason Cooke, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for handed

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of handed was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handed. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

handed

adjective
hand·​ed ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce handed (audio)
: having or using such or so many hands
a right-handed person
handedness noun

Medical Definition

handed

adjective
hand·​ed ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce handed (audio)
1
: having a hand or hands especially of a specified kind or number
usually used in combination
a large-handed man
2
: using a specified hand or number of hands
used in combination
right-handed

More from Merriam-Webster on handed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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