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empty-handed

adjective emp·ty-hand·ed \ ˌem(p)-tē-ˈhan-dəd \

Definition of empty-handed

1 : having or bringing nothing
2 : having acquired or gained nothing
  • came back empty-handed

See empty-handed defined for English-language learners

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First Known Use of empty-handed

1549

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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EMPTY-HANDED Defined for English Language Learners

empty-handed

adjective

Definition of empty-handed for English Language Learners

  • : without having, carrying, or bringing anything

EMPTY-HANDED Defined for Kids

empty-handed

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.

Learn More about empty-handed

  1. See words that rhyme with empty-handed Spanish Central: Translation of empty-handed Nglish: Translation of empty-handed for Spanish speakers

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