hand down

verb

handed down; handing down; hands down

transitive verb

1

: to transmit in succession (as from father to son)

2

: to make official formulation of and express (the opinion of a court)

Examples of hand down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the years, the parents have helped with education and handed down old cars. — Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026

When the judge in the case handed down a death sentence, Williams also ordered his attorneys not to appeal. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Herbalists stock shelves with roots, leaves, and other remedies that have been handed down through generations. — Mimi Thorisson, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026

The devices have also helped Bristol police arrest alleged domestic abusers who were found to be violating protective orders handed down by a judge to protect victims of domestic violence, Morello said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hand down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

hand down

verb

1

: to pass down from older to younger (as from parent to child)

2

: to form and express a judicial decision

Legal Definition

hand down

transitive verb

1

: to deliver (the decision or opinion of an appellate court) to the proper office of an inferior court

2

: to make an official formulation of and announce (the decision of a court)