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

Students will receive hands-on experience with construction robots, 3D-printing systems, and digital design software. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026

The time capsules are a product of weeks of hands-on exercises, from crafts to conversation. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

To help students gain hands-on experience with circularity, CircKit has developed a special academic licensing program for universities. — Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026

The company said creators are increasingly introducing consumers to gardening, backyard poultry and other hands-on hobbies. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 14 Aug. 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