hand-to-hand

1 of 2

adjective

ˈhan(d)-tə-ˈhand 

ˈhan-də-

: involving physical contact or close enough range for physical contact

hand-to-hand fighting

hand to hand

2 of 2

adverb

: at very close range

Examples of hand-to-hand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The drill involves recruits elevating their heart rates through calisthenics and then simulating hand-to-hand combat with a physically aggressive suspect while wearing a padded suit for protection. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026

Press coverage is a hand-to-hand combat game at the line of scrimmage. —Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026

Adverb

My mother’s cousins and neighbors joined us; trays, coffee, and bundles of cloth—used to lay couscous grains out to dry in the sun—were passed from hand to hand. —Boutheina Ben Salem, Vogue, 8 May 2026

The drawings, too, evolved, passing from hand to hand. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1833, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hand-to-hand

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

Kids Definition

hand-to-hand

adjective

ˌhan-tə-ˈhand

: involving physical contact

hand-to-hand combat