right-handed

adjective

right-hand·​ed ˈrīt-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce right-handed (audio)
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
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.
For his career, Mullins has hit right-handed pitchers better than lefties, but Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns pointed to approach adjustments Mullins has made recently against southpaws (while citing the difficulty of putting too much stock in small samples of reverse splits). Will Sammon, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025 Late Wednesday, the Detroit Tigers added to their bullpen acquiring right-handed reliever Rafael Montero in a trade with the Atlanta Braves, writes Evan Petzold. Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 1 Aug. 2025 The Guardians received prospect right-handed pitcher, Khal Stephen in return. Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025 The Royals acquired veteran outfielder Mike Yastrzemski from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Yunior Marte. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for right-handed

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of right-handed was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Right-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/right-handed. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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 How to pronounce right-handed (audio)
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
right-handed adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on right-handed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!