handedness

noun

hand·​ed·​ness ˈhan-dəd-nəs 

1

: a tendency to use one hand rather than the other

2

a

: the property of an object (such as a molecule) of not being identical with its mirror image : chirality

b

: either of the two configurations of an object that may exist in forms which are nonidentical mirror images

Examples of handedness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition, having atypical handedness – such as preferring different hands for different activities – is associated with a range of neurological conditions, including autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. —Eric Horstick, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026

Perhaps the tallest hurdle for Halpin is his handedness. —Zack Meisel, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026

Eskow praised Mező’s even-handedness in compiling recordings and re-recordings for one unified project. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026

The discovery has also unearthed a brand-new scientific puzzle involving chirality, or handedness. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

handedness

noun

hand·​ed·​ness -nəs 

1

: a tendency to use one hand rather than the other

2

: the property of an object (as a molecule) of not being identical with its mirror image

3

: the property of having either a clockwise or counterclockwise motion (as the corkscrew movement of some microorganisms or their flagella or cilia)