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Definition of empty–handed
1 : having or bringing nothing
2 : having acquired or gained nothing came back empty–handed
From the M-W Editors
First Known Use of empty–handed
1549
EMPTY–HANDED Defined for English Language Learners
empty-handed
play
adjective
Definition of empty–handed for English Language Learners
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: without having, carrying, or bringing anything
EMPTY–HANDED Defined for Kids
empty–handed
play
adjective
emp·ty–hand·ed
\ˌemp-tē-ˈhan-dəd\
Definition of empty–handed for Students
1 : not carrying or bringing anything I can't show up at the party empty-handed.
2 : having gotten or gained nothing He left the contest empty-handed.
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See words that rhyme with empty–handed Spanish Central: Translation of empty–handed
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