left-handed
adjective
left-hand·ed
ˈleft-ˈhan-dəd 
ˈlef-ˈtan-
1
: using the left hand habitually or more easily than the right
also
: swinging from left to right
a left-handed batter
2
: relating to, designed for, or done with the left hand
3
4
b
: insincere, backhanded, dubious
a left-handed compliment
5
a
: having a direction contrary to that of the hands of a watch viewed from in front : counterclockwise
b
: having a spiral structure or form that ascends or advances to the left
a left-handed rope
6
: having or being the L-form molecular structure
left-handed
adverb
left-handedly
adverb
left-handedness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of left-handed in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At the plate, the Marlins once again struggled against a left-handed pitcher.
—
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2024
Yet, only once the Cardinals stretched the lead to 5-2 on a two-run double from Brendan Donovan — the fourth left-handed hitter in a row to come to the plate against Kelly — did Roberts finally turn to Vesia, who ended the threat without further damage.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024
Hernandez put his skill to good use Friday night, hitting home runs in his first two at-bats against left-handed pitching this season and driving in four runs as the Dodgers beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 6-3.
—Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register, 30 Mar. 2024
Ohtani, a left-handed hitter, is six feet four and moves with uncommon grace.
—Emily Witt, The New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2024
Hewlett, a senior left-hander and transfer from Kansas who specializes in getting out left-handed hitters like Neal, fell behind 3-0 throwing three breaking balls, then threw fastballs to get the out.
—Bob Holt, arkansasonline.com, 29 Mar. 2024
Ragans will look to set the tone against the Twins on Thursday as the second-youngest left-handed opening day starter in franchise history.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2024
The signing of left-handed starter Shota Imanaga and the AAA phenom, Michael Busch at first base are very encouraging prospects.
—Daniel Kohn, SPIN, 27 Mar. 2024
The coveted left-handed pitcher is in agreement with the Arizona Diamondbacks, last year’s National League champions, on a one-year deal that guarantees him $25MM.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2024
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2024
Yet, only once the Cardinals stretched the lead to 5-2 on a two-run double from Brendan Donovan — the fourth left-handed hitter in a row to come to the plate against Kelly — did Roberts finally turn to Vesia, who ended the threat without further damage.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024
Hernandez put his skill to good use Friday night, hitting home runs in his first two at-bats against left-handed pitching this season and driving in four runs as the Dodgers beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 6-3.
—Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register, 30 Mar. 2024
Ohtani, a left-handed hitter, is six feet four and moves with uncommon grace.
—Emily Witt, The New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2024
Hewlett, a senior left-hander and transfer from Kansas who specializes in getting out left-handed hitters like Neal, fell behind 3-0 throwing three breaking balls, then threw fastballs to get the out.
—Bob Holt, arkansasonline.com, 29 Mar. 2024
Ragans will look to set the tone against the Twins on Thursday as the second-youngest left-handed opening day starter in franchise history.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2024
The signing of left-handed starter Shota Imanaga and the AAA phenom, Michael Busch at first base are very encouraging prospects.
—Daniel Kohn, SPIN, 27 Mar. 2024
The coveted left-handed pitcher is in agreement with the Arizona Diamondbacks, last year’s National League champions, on a one-year deal that guarantees him $25MM.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'left-handed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Left-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/left-handed. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
left-handed
adjective
left-hand·ed
ˈleft-ˈhan-dəd, ˈlef-ˈtan-
1
: using the left hand habitually or more easily than the right
2
: relating to, designed for, or done with the left hand
3
: having a direction contrary to that of movement of the hands of a watch viewed from in front
4
left-handed
adverb
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