hand·cuff
ˈhan(d)-ˌkəf 
: a metal fastening that can be locked around a wrist and is usually connected by a chain or bar with another such fastening
—usually used in plural
handcuffed; handcuffing; handcuffs
2
: to hold in check : make ineffective or powerless
handcuffed by strict regulations
Examples of handcuff in a Sentence
Noun
the man reluctantly held out his wrists so the policeman could snap on handcuffs
Verb
wanted to take the trip, but was handcuffed by her responsibility to watch her ailing father
the fear that the new mandatory, standardized tests will handcuff the state's teachers, who will have to specifically tailor their lesson plans for the test
Recent Examples on the Web
Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 25 Nov. 2025
Another photo shows her in a white lace chemise over a black bra and leather pants, with a pair of handcuffs dangling from her wrist.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2025
Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 Nov. 2025
Federal agents later shattered his truck window, pinned him to the ground, handcuffed him and took his keys.
—Charlotte Observer, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
During Tuesday's brief court appearance in Chicago, a judge told Geyser, who was in handcuffs and dressed in a blue jail jumpsuit, that authorities in Waukesha County have 30 days to transport her back to Wisconsin.
—Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 25 Nov. 2025
Another photo shows her in a white lace chemise over a black bra and leather pants, with a pair of handcuffs dangling from her wrist.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2025
Verb
The congresswoman appeared in civilian clothes, handcuffed at the wrists.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 Nov. 2025
Federal agents later shattered his truck window, pinned him to the ground, handcuffed him and took his keys.
—Charlotte Observer, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handcuff. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share