underhand

1 of 2

adverb

un·​der·​hand ˈən-dər-ˌhand How to pronounce underhand (audio)
1
a
: in a clandestine manner
b
archaic : in a quiet or unobtrusive manner
2
: with an underhand motion
bowl underhand
pitch underhand

underhand

2 of 2

adjective

1
2
: done so as to evade notice
3
: made with the hand brought forward and up from below the shoulder level
an underhand serve

Examples of underhand in a Sentence

Adjective willing to stoop to underhand methods in order to win the congressman's underhand attempt to slip several pork barrel items into the bill
Recent Examples on the Web
Adverb
Each team will alternate tossing the bean bag underhand onto the board until all four bean bags are thrown. Anthony Gharib, USA TODAY, 13 June 2023 Pitchers tossed underhand and no one wore gloves yet, resulting in smarting pain in the hands of catchers and first basemen. Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 29 Mar. 2023
Adjective
With a smaller playing area (about one-quarter the size of a tennis court), lighter wiffle balls and paddles, and underhand serves, pickleball is low impact and approachable for athletes of all levels. Outside Online, 29 July 2024 Barry is a slasher who can get to the foul line and make his underhand free throws, just like his dad. Sean Gregory, TIME, 25 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for underhand 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underhand.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underhand was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near underhand

Cite this Entry

“Underhand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underhand. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

underhand

1 of 2 adverb
un·​der·​hand ˈən-dər-ˌhand How to pronounce underhand (audio)
1
: in an underhand or secret manner
2
: with an underhand motion
throw underhand

underhand

2 of 2 adjective
1
: done in secret or so as to deceive : sly
underhand methods
2
: performed with the hand kept below the level of the shoulder
an underhand pitch

More from Merriam-Webster on underhand

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