left-handed

adjective

left-hand·​ed ˈleft-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce left-handed (audio)
ˈlef-ˈtan-
Synonyms of left-handednext
1
: using the left hand habitually or more easily than the right
also : swinging from left to right
a left-handed batter
2
: relating to, designed for, or done with the left hand
3
4
b
: insincere, backhanded, dubious
a left-handed compliment
5
a
: having a direction contrary to that of the hands of a watch viewed from in front : counterclockwise
b
: having a spiral structure or form that ascends or advances to the left
a left-handed rope
6
: having or being the L-form molecular structure
left-handed adverb
left-handedly adverb
left-handedness noun

Examples of left-handed in a Sentence

I'd rather have no help at all than have his left-handed "assistance" failed to realize that he had received a left-handed compliment
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 Astros are still in need of a backup catcher and could benefit from another left-handed bat, prompting one to wonder if another trade is possible to create some payroll space. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026 But the need isn’t glaring because the left-handed hitting Marsee hit .324 (.370 on base) in 81 Marlins plate appearances against left-handers last season. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 Dec. 2025 The left-handed-hitting O’Hearn reached free agency after finishing the 2025 season with the Padres. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Dec. 2025 The left-handed hitter has a .284/.351/.438 slash line with four double-digit home run seasons including his rookie year in 2018. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for left-handed

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of left-handed was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Left-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/left-handed. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

left-handed

adjective
left-hand·​ed
ˈleft-ˈhan-dəd
1
: using the left hand more easily than the right
2
: relating to, designed for, or done with the left hand
3
4
: going in or involving a counterclockwise direction
a left-handed screw
left-handed adverb
left-handedly adverb
left-handedness noun
left-hander
-ˈhan-dər
noun

Medical Definition

left-handed

adjective
1
: using the left hand habitually or more easily than the right
2
: relating to, designed for, or done with the left hand
3
: having a direction contrary to that of movement of the hands of a watch viewed from in front
4
left-handed adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on left-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!