handed

adjective

hand·​ed ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce handed (audio)
Synonyms of handednext
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.
Speaking further with Carolla about the matter on his show this week, Maher pointed out that his brand is even-handed in its approach to political jokes — contrasting Kimmel’s left-leaning humor. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 Feb. 2026 The deputy organization said those staffing decisions left key units short-handed during what became one of the highest-profile searches in the sheriff’s department’s history and during one of the busiest times of year for Search and Rescue operations. Stepheny Price , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026 For instance, Irvine recently passed a preliminary e-bike law that strikes us as needlessly heavy handed. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026 The Panthers survived five Bruins power-play opportunities, killing off each one and getting a short-handed goal from Lundell. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026 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 15 Feb. 2026.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster