handed

adjective

hand·​ed ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce handed (audio)
1
: having a hand or hands especially of a specified kind or number
usually used in combination
a large-handed man
2
: using a specified hand or number of hands
used in combination
right-handed
a one-handed catch

Examples of handed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There may be some nuance to unpack here, however, given that Mancini mostly played with Marcus Pettersson when short-handed prior to the third period (when Forbort stopped logging shifts). Thomas Drance, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 Utah rested starting goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn and handed rookie Mia Justus her second appearance. Mercury News Staff, Mercury News, 28 Sep. 2025 Despite being short-handed throughout much of the year due to injuries, the Fever won the WNBA Commissioner's Cup and finished with 24 wins. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2025 The Spartans – short-handed and shaken by seeing their teammate, Wayne Matthews, scarily injured – were allowed to wrestle momentum away from the home team that should have been dominating if not for its overcommitment to the bit about shooting itself in the foot. Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 21 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for handed

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of handed was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handed. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

handed

adjective
hand·​ed ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce handed (audio)
: having or using such or so many hands
a right-handed person
handedness noun

Medical Definition

handed

adjective
hand·​ed ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce handed (audio)
1
: having a hand or hands especially of a specified kind or number
usually used in combination
a large-handed man
2
: using a specified hand or number of hands
used in combination
right-handed

More from Merriam-Webster on handed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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