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
Of these teams, only Real Madrid, PSV and Sporting CP are playing in this season’s tournament (the figures in the right-hand column exclude the upcoming campaign). Will Jeanes, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025 Travis' right-hand man and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes wed his high school sweetheart, Brittany Mahomes (née Matthews), in a romantic Hawaiian wedding on March 12, 2022. Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
Almost as concerning as the calamity in the top of the second inning was the near-disaster that happened in the bottom half, as Will Smith took a foul tip off the back of his right hand and exited the game a half-inning later. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025 Place your right hand on your left knee. Jenny McCoy, SELF, 3 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 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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