right-hand

1 of 2

adjective

1
: situated on the right
2
3
: chiefly relied on
his right-hand man

right hand

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: the hand on a person's right side
b
: an indispensable person
2
a
: the right side
b
: a place of honor

Examples of right-hand 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.
Adjective
But the steering wheels on autos sold in Japan are on the right-hand side, while U.S. automakers put their steering wheels on the left. Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025 Would Ronaldo leave Alexander-Arnold a little exposed on the right-hand side? Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
Francis, like other popes, wore it on the ring finger of his right hand. George Petras, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025 Unfortunately, instead of breaking camp with the team last year, Aranda broke a finger on his right hand during defensive drills at the team’s Port Charlotte spring training complex one week before the season began. Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for right-hand

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of right-hand was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Right-hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/right-hand. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

right-hand

adjective
ˈrīt-ˌhand
1
: located on the right
2
3
: relied on most of all
right-hand man

Medical Definition

right-hand

1 of 2 adjective
1
: situated on the right
2

right hand

2 of 2 noun
1
: the hand on a person's right side
2
: the right side

More from Merriam-Webster on right-hand

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!