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.
The film’s open-handed humanity is boundless, even contagious, as director Kartiki Gonsalves follows the caregivers who make a tradition out of raising the animals, and in Bellie’s case, as a means to survive grief. Tomris Laffly, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Dec. 2025 Short-handed and trailing by double digits, Texas Tech’s prospects didn’t look great against a Duke team in complete control. Cj Moore, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025 This even-handed view of Nigeria at a critical stage in its history enables us to trace the very human development of all peoples. The Know, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 2025 Midway through the second period, Anderson scored on a short-handed goal on a breakaway. CBS News, 21 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 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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