forehand

noun fore·hand \ ˈfȯr-ˌhand \

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

Definition of forehand

1 archaic : superior position : advantage

2 : the part of a horse that is before the rider

3 : a forehand stroke (as in tennis or racquets); also : the side on which such strokes are made

See forehand defined for English-language learners

See forehand defined for kids

Examples of forehand in a Sentence

She hit a forehand across the court.

Recent Examples of forehand from the Web

That set the stage for Panarin to drive around fellow Russian Dmitry Orlov before going backhand to forehand and beating Philipp Grubauer top shelf to give the Blue Jackets their first series lead in franchise history in their fourth opportunity.

— stephen whyno, baltimoresun.com, "Capitals blow late lead, fall to Blue Jackets in OT, 4-3, in playoff opener," 12 Apr. 2018
When Kasatkina was serving at 3-4, her topspin forehand suddenly become a liability.

— christopher clarey, New York Times, "Naomi Osaka Wins at Indian Wells for Her First WTA Title," 18 Mar. 2018
Taking a left to right feed from Wayne Simmonds in the slot, Patrick deftly deked forehand to backhand, lifting the puck past all-star goaltender Braden Holtby, who was downright frozen by the move.

— sam donnellon, Philly.com, "Flyers, ailing Michal Neuvirth lose 5-3 to Caps," 31 Jan. 2018
Williams broke again for 3-3 and had five break points in an epic, 22-point eighth game but eventually lost that on an errant forehand, giving Kasatkina a 5-3 lead.

— helene elliott, latimes.com, "One for the ages: Up-and-comer Daria Kasatkina beats Venus Williams to reach BNP Paribas final," 17 Mar. 2018
His forehand volley went wide, giving Chung a break chance.

— beth harris, BostonGlobe.com, "Roger Federer, Venus Williams roll into semifinals at Indian Wells," 16 Mar. 2018
Kasatkina attacks less, is solid from both forehand and backhand sides and is somewhat of a counter-puncher along the lines of Caroline Wozniacki.

— bill dwyre, latimes.com, "Despite Roger Federer's finesse, the tennis world was sent a strong message at Indian Wells," 17 Mar. 2018
Before most games, the Rockies’ infield coach, Stu Cole, hits 10 to 15 grounders right at Arenado, and the same number to his forehand and backhand, with throws then going to first or second.

— tyler kepner, New York Times, "Mike Schmidt’s Heir Apparent Is Nolan Arenado, Says Mike Schmidt," 14 Mar. 2018
Move of the game Mats Zuccarello unveiled a gorgeous move in the shootout, faking out Roberto Luongo with a deke to his backhand before finishing on his forehand.

— matthew defranks, Sun-Sentinel.com, "The Next Day Look: Florida Panthers 4, New York Rangers 3 (SO)," 11 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'forehand.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of forehand

First Known Use of forehand

1557

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

forehand

adjective

Definition of forehand

1 obsolete : done or given in advance : prior

2 : made with the palm of the hand turned in the direction in which the hand is moving

a forehand tennis stroke

First Known Use of forehand

1599

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

forehand

adverb

Definition of forehand

: with a forehand stroke

First Known Use of forehand

1925

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

FOREHAND Defined for English Language Learners

forehand

noun

Definition of forehand for English Language Learners

sports : a way of hitting a ball in tennis and similar games in which the palm of the hand holding the racket is turned in the direction of the ball