hand-to-hand

1 of 2

adjective

: involving physical contact or close enough range for physical contact
hand-to-hand fighting

hand to hand

2 of 2

adverb

: at very close range

Examples of hand-to-hand 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.
Adjective
Danzig is a lawyer, former drill sergeant and hand-to-hand combat instructor with the Israeli Defense Forces from 1982 to 1985 as well as a New York City police officer from 1989 to 1992. Micha Danzig, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025 The morning’s training wouldn’t be dedicated to firing drills, marksmanship or hand-to-hand combat. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025
Adverb
To his left, the spot where roaring rioters and outnumbered police officers fought hand to hand. Dan Barry, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025 Members of the Lakeway Economic Development Committee were on hand to hand out information and educate attendees on the importance of shopping in Lakeway. Tom Kilgore, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hand-to-hand 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1833, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hand-to-hand was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near hand-to-hand

hand-tight

hand-to-hand

hand to hand

Cite this Entry

“Hand-to-hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hand-to-hand. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

hand-to-hand

adjective
ˌhan-tə-ˈhand
: involving physical contact
hand-to-hand combat

More from Merriam-Webster on hand-to-hand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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