overhand

1 of 3

adjective

over·​hand ˈō-vər-ˌhand How to pronounce overhand (audio)
: made with the hand brought forward and down from above shoulder level
overhand adverb
overhanded adverb or adjective

overhand

2 of 3

verb

overhanded; overhanding; overhands

transitive verb

: to sew with short vertical stitches

overhand

3 of 3

noun

: an overhand stroke (as in handball)

Examples of overhand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Or perhaps one of those customary, overhand claps walking off the field that soccer players are expected to do at game’s end? Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 18 May 2026 Pulling Exercises Resistance Band–Assisted Pull-Up Place one foot inside the band and grip the bar with an overhand or underhand grip, with your hands about shoulder-width apart. Greg Presto, Outside, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
Unlike most of the other women in the field, Lenglen served overhanded. Jon Wertheim and Jacob Feldman, SI.com, 27 June 2019 Rizzo was visibly upset after getting plunked, throwing his bat overhanded toward the Chicago dugout. USA TODAY, 27 Sep. 2017
Noun
Valicenti scored the lone goal for the Bishops in the third quarter, with an overhand shot after a feed from Maggie Shea behind the net. Zach McMahon, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026 Pitchers were not allowed to throw overhand until 1884. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overhand

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1656, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1871, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overhand was in 1656

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overhand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhand. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

overhand

1 of 2 adjective
over·​hand ˈō-vər-ˌhand How to pronounce overhand (audio)
: made with the hand brought forward and down from above shoulder level
an overhand pitch
an overhand tennis stroke
overhand adverb
overhanded adverb

overhand

2 of 2 noun
: an overhand stroke (as in tennis)
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