right-hand

1 of 2

adjective

1
: situated on the right
2
3
: chiefly relied on
his right-hand man

right hand

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: the hand on a person's right side
b
: an indispensable person
2
a
: the right side
b
: a place of honor

Examples of right-hand 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
Jimenez was a passenger in a northbound 2023 Nissan Sentra that veered off SR-125 near Spring Street and struck a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E350 parked on the right-hand shoulder, the CHP reported. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025 That means they could be crafted by the artist’s right-hand men — like Mobb Deep’s Infinite, where Prodigy’s longtime music partners Havoc and the Alchemist gave their all to a fitting send-off to the Infamous group. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
The Royals sent him to the AFL to get more at-bats after missing time with a hamate bone fracture in his right hand. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2025 The elder Ciattarelli slapped his forward with his right hand as his son, dressed in camouflage fatigues, approached for a hug. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for right-hand

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of right-hand was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Right-hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/right-hand. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

right-hand

adjective
ˈrīt-ˌhand
1
: located on the right
2
3
: relied on most of all
right-hand man

Medical Definition

right-hand

1 of 2 adjective
1
: situated on the right
2

right hand

2 of 2 noun
1
: the hand on a person's right side
2
: the right side

More from Merriam-Webster on right-hand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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