handedness

noun

hand·​ed·​ness ˈhan-dəd-nəs How to pronounce handedness (audio)
1
: a tendency to use one hand rather than the other
2
a
: the property of an object (such as a molecule) of not being identical with its mirror image : chirality
b
: either of the two configurations of an object that may exist in forms which are nonidentical mirror images

Examples of handedness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In addition, having atypical handedness – such as preferring different hands for different activities – is associated with a range of neurological conditions, including autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Eric Horstick, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026 Perhaps the tallest hurdle for Halpin is his handedness. Zack Meisel, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026 Eskow praised Mező’s even-handedness in compiling recordings and re-recordings for one unified project. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026 The discovery has also unearthed a brand-new scientific puzzle involving chirality, or handedness. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handedness

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of handedness was in 1915

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Cite this Entry

“Handedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handedness. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

Medical Definition

handedness

noun
hand·​ed·​ness -nəs How to pronounce handedness (audio)
1
: a tendency to use one hand rather than the other
2
: the property of an object (as a molecule) of not being identical with its mirror image
3
: the property of having either a clockwise or counterclockwise motion (as the corkscrew movement of some microorganisms or their flagella or cilia)
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