hands-on

adjective

ˈhan(d)z-ˈȯn 

-ˈän

1

: relating to, being, or providing direct practical experience in the operation or functioning of something

hands-on training

also : involving or allowing use of or touching with the hands

a hands-on museum display

2

: characterized by active personal involvement

a hands-on manager

Examples of hands-on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All of which was on display at hands-on media events held Wednesday in New York, London and Shanghai. —Shawn Chen, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026

More delicate, thin-skinned fruit like mandarins and Meyer lemons require a more hands-on approach using snips. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026

In most states, programs teaching students hands-on job skills have secured increasing bipartisan support and financial investments in recent years, with lawmakers creating funding flows in states that previously lacked them. —Miranda Dunlap, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026

The immersive slime experience is slated to open this summer at Metropolitan in Midtown, offering hands-on slime making, ASMR soundscapes and other sensory activities. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for hands-on

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon