forehand

1 of 3

noun

fore·​hand ˈfȯr-ˌhand 

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

Illustration of forehand

• forehand 3

forehand

2 of 3

adjective

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

forehand

3 of 3

adverb

: with a forehand stroke

Examples of forehand in a Sentence

Noun

She hit a forehand across the court.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Gauff has tried to become more aggressive, taking the initiative on the forehand rather than hitting it so often off her back foot and living to fight for another shot. —Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 3 May 2025

The 19-year-old wild card won 6-2, 7-5 thanks to an accomplished display of power and precision, in particular on her lefty forehand and return of serve. —Matias Grez, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2025

Adjective

Uranus Uranus can be glimpsed as a naked-eye object by people who are blessed with good eyesight and a clear, dark sky, as well as a forehand knowledge of exactly where to look for it. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 24 Dec. 2024

Zheng’s forehand response to Sabalenka’s forehand was often late, and there were times when Sabalenka’s inside-out forehand to Zheng’s backhand seemed to knock the racquet from her grip. —Gerald Marzorati, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1925, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for forehand

• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand
• hinterland
• motherland

Kids Definition

forehand

noun

fore·​hand

-ˌhand

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

forehand adverb or adjective