two-handed

adjective

two-hand·​ed ˈtü-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce two-handed (audio)
1
: used with both hands
a two-handed sword
2
: requiring two persons
a two-handed saw
3
a
: having two hands
b
: efficient with either hand
a two-handed fighter
4
archaic : stout, strong

Examples of two-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.
Tech had taken a slim, 12-11 lead on Cole Kirouac’s alley-oop dunk only to see Kiyan Anthony hit a 3 and Donnie Freeman flush an uncontested two-handed slam, putting Syracuse up 16-12. Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 7 Jan. 2026 White screamed to the fans who lined the tunnel and, as Allen did to begin the game, blew them two-handed kisses. Tim Graham, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026 The second period started in chaos when Mat Barzal reacted to a Mason Marchment tripping penalty by taking a two-handed chop to Marchment's right foot, resulting in a major penalty and a game misconduct ejection. CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025 With time winding down, Curry intercepted a pass at halfcourt and tossed it ahead to Butler, who played hot potato with Green before finishing a two-handed dunk for two of his team-best 16 points in the first half. Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for two-handed

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of two-handed was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Two-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/two-handed. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

two-handed

adjective
two-hand·​ed
ˈtü-ˈhan-dəd
1
: used with both hands
a two-handed sword
2
: requiring two persons
a two-handed saw
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!