right-handed

adjective

right-hand·​ed ˈrīt-ˈhan-dəd 

1

: using the right hand habitually or more easily than the left

also : swinging from right to left

a right-handed batter

2

: relating to, designed for, or done with the right hand

3

a

: having the same direction or course as the movement of the hands of a watch viewed from in front : clockwise

b

: having a spiral structure or form that ascends or advances to the right

a right-handed screw

4

of a door : opening to the right away from one

right-handed adverb

right-handedly adverb

right-handedness noun

Examples of right-handed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The left-handed-hitting Verdugo was not long ago quite adept at hitting right-handed pitchers. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026

The Giants also signed right-handed relievers Jason Foley and Rowan Wick to major league deals, but neither will be ready for Opening Day. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026

The Rangers are looking more at Sam Haggerty as a potential right-handed compliment to Smith at second. —Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026

The Sabres needed a right-handed center for their fourth line who could win faceoffs on that side of the ice. —Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for right-handed

• backhanded
• commanded
• demanded
• disbanded
• expanded
• misbranded
• remanded
• unbranded
• banded
• branded
• candid
• handed

Kids Definition

right-handed

adjective

right-hand·​ed

ˈrīt-ˈhan-dəd

1

: using the right hand more easily than the left

2

: done or made with or for the right hand

3

: having or moving with a clockwise turn or twist

right-handedly adverb

or right-handed

right-handedness noun

right-hander

-ˈhan-dər

noun

Medical Definition

right-handed

adjective

right-hand·​ed -ˈhan-dəd 

1

: using the right hand habitually or more easily than the left

2

: relating to, designed for, or done with the right hand

3

: having the same direction or course as the movement of the hands of a watch viewed from in front

4

: dextrorotatory

right-handed adverb