handed

adjective

hand·​ed ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce handed (audio)
Synonyms of handednext
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.
Like 10% to 15% of the population, I am left-handed. Judith Martin, Mercury News, 20 May 2026 Moments later, Jake Evans scored a short-handed goal off the rush that went right through Lyon. Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 17 May 2026 On top of having to learn to play hockey, Kalyn, 24, faced another challenge, as his stunt double was left-handed. Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026 Weighing just 18 pounds (8 kilograms), the chair is light enough to pick up one handed but bulky enough to stay grounded, while a fiber layer atop the cushion similarly counters the flaws of its predecessor by preventing unwanted moisture or noises. Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 14 May 2026 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 26 May. 2026.

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

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