backhander

noun

back·​hand·​er ˈbak-ˈhan-dər How to pronounce backhander (audio)
1
British : bribe
2
: a backhand shot

Examples of backhander in a Sentence

She hit a backhander into the net. the customs official let us know that he might be prepared to look the other way if an appropriate backhander was slipped into his palm
Recent Examples on the Web The defender used her long reach and some slick moves to deke past the St. Mary’s defender, and coolly finished the play with a backhander to beat Catino. Olivia Nolan, BostonGlobe.com, 19 Mar. 2023 Ullmark stopped Anthony Cirelli’s backhander on a partial breakaway with about seven minutes left. Ken Powtak, ajc, 25 Mar. 2023 Clayton Keller showed great control with the puck along the boards during the power play and gave the green light for Boyd’s backhander at 12:44 in the second. Jenna Ortiz, The Arizona Republic, 16 Mar. 2023 Hall cut in front and beat Sorokin with a backhander for the game-winner. Ken Powtak, Star Tribune, 10 May 2021 Acquired from the New York Rangers in a trade last September after a 13-year career, Staal put Detroit up 1-0 at 2:58 of the second period with his backhander in close. Bill Whitehead, Star Tribune, 7 Feb. 2021 Kopitar finished it off by faking Skinner out of his skates and scoring on a backhander, his second goal of the series. Helene Elliott, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2023 But Adrian Kempe cut that to 2-1 early in the third period with a nifty backhander and scored from the right circle to cut Edmonton’s lead to 3-2 at 11:23 of the third period. Helene Elliott, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2023 Zacha, blitzing down the slot, reached out with his long stick and knocked in a backhander for the 2-0 lead. Kevin Paul Dupont, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backhander.' 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

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of backhander was in 1803

Dictionary Entries Near backhander

Cite this Entry

“Backhander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backhander. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

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