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

There is a weird intimacy to hand-to-hand combat and the brutality of it. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

But there were also perplexing moments that punctured the gravitas of the event (even for an event built around hand-to-hand combat). — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026

Adverb

Sentinel-Stars were bought anxiously and passed from hand to hand. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2026

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

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