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
a one-handed catch

Examples of handed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In almost every public agency in Connecticut, a board member would know better than to intervene in such a heavy handed, slightly odd manner. Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2024 Governments and regions are taking a piecemeal approach, with the E.U. and China moving the fastest toward heavier handed regulation. Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for handed 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'handed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near handed

Cite this Entry

“Handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handed. Accessed 6 May. 2024.

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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