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

Terrikat Slip-On Flats, $40 Crocs are hands down the most comfortable shoes, and the brand’s signature comfort meets spring vibes in this canvas and suede edition. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026

Jose Luis Rodriguez was handed down three consecutive life sentences after pleading guilty to three counts of first-degree murder, the Berks County District Attorney's Office announced in a statement on Tuesday, April 14. —Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026

Her spending also ticked up, bringing her cash on hand down to just more than $54,000. —Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026

According to the outlet, Somali had been free prior to the conviction but was taken into custody after the sentence was handed down. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 15 Apr. 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)