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.
Earlier this month, Modi attended a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in China, where he glad-handed with Xi and Putin. Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025 Trump’s vision has repeatedly clashed with that of the left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, whose soft-handed approach to cocaine production has failed to stop the skyrocketing of cocaine cultivation. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2025 The Chiefs are tired of operating short-handed, but man if the production doesn’t remind us of that. Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2025 First, he was called for unnecessary roughness for an open-handed blow to the head while blocking Cowboys defensive end James Houston. Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 14 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 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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