hand·cuff
ˈhan(d)-ˌkəf 
: a metal fastening that can be locked around a wrist and is usually connected by a chain or bar with another such fastening
—usually used in plural
handcuffed; handcuffing; handcuffs
2
: to hold in check : make ineffective or powerless
handcuffed by strict regulations
Examples of handcuff in a Sentence
Noun
the man reluctantly held out his wrists so the policeman could snap on handcuffs
Verb
wanted to take the trip, but was handcuffed by her responsibility to watch her ailing father
the fear that the new mandatory, standardized tests will handcuff the state's teachers, who will have to specifically tailor their lesson plans for the test
Recent Examples on the Web
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2026
He can be seen through the back driver's side window being led away in handcuffs.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 7 Feb. 2026
Katica Roy, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
The casino patron was handcuffed when officers arrived and there no use of force by the responding officers, police said.
—Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
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.
Noun
Wide receiver Mack Hollins arrived in a prison jumpsuit, handcuffs and Hannibal Lecter-esque mask.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2026
He can be seen through the back driver's side window being led away in handcuffs.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
The Federal Reserve is handcuffed, unable to cut rates without reigniting inflation, yet unable to hold them without strangling growth.
—Katica Roy, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
The casino patron was handcuffed when officers arrived and there no use of force by the responding officers, police said.
—Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handcuff. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
