right-hand

1 of 2

adjective

ˈrīt-ˌhand 

1

: situated on the right

2

: right-handed

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

Adjective

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett's right-hand man plans to step down at the end of this month after nine years working for the city. —Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 8 Dec. 2025

Grant was the ex-school teacher from Mount Vernon who was Willie Abraham’s right-hand man. —Aliya S. King, VIBE.com, 6 Dec. 2025

Noun

The president's wellness has come under scrutiny during the past year, notably after pictures emerged repeatedly of bruising to his right hand. —Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025

The Raiders lost quarterback Geno Smith, who injured his right hand and shoulder in the third quarter and was replaced by Kenny Pickett. —CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025

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

Rhymes for right-hand

• armband
• backhand
• bandstand
• baseband
• broadband
• command
• cropland
• demand
• disband
• dreamland
• expand
• farmhand

Kids Definition

right-hand

adjective

ˈrīt-ˌhand

1

: located on the right

2

: right-handed sense 1

3

: relied on most of all

right-hand man

Medical Definition

right-hand

1 of 2 adjective

ˈrīt-ˌhand 

1

: situated on the right

2

: right-handed

right hand

2 of 2 noun

1

: the hand on a person's right side

2

: the right side