handed

adjective

hand·​ed ˈhan-dəd 

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

There may never be a certain, or simple, answer to the question of why I am left-handed. — Quanta Magazine, 13 July 2026

Being left-handed from that angle can be very beneficial for us, for sure. — Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026

Mecklenburg County commissioners are pleading with the public to volunteer for short-handed boards responsible for inspecting local nursing homes and assisted living communities. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026

The Red Sox squandered a golden opportunity early, loading the bases in the top of the first and coming away empty handed, but made up for it with a big second inning. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing handed

• bare-handed
• cack-handed
• empty-handed
• four-handed
• ham-handed
• heavy-handed
• high-handed
• left-handed
• light-handed
• one-handed
• red-handed
• right-handed
• single-handed
• sure-handed
• three-handed
• two-handed

Rhymes for handed

• banded
• branded
• candid
• landed
• sanded
• stranded
• backhanded
• commanded
• demanded
• disbanded
• expanded
• misbranded

Kids Definition

handed

adjective

hand·​ed ˈhan-dəd 

: having or using such or so many hands

a right-handed person

handedness noun

Medical Definition

handed

adjective

hand·​ed ˈhan-dəd 

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