left-handed

adjective

left-hand·​ed ˈleft-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce left-handed (audio)
ˈlef-ˈtan-
1
: using the left hand habitually or more easily than the right
also : swinging from left to right
a left-handed batter
2
: relating to, designed for, or done with the left hand
3
4
b
: insincere, backhanded, dubious
a left-handed compliment
5
a
: having a direction contrary to that of the hands of a watch viewed from in front : counterclockwise
b
: having a spiral structure or form that ascends or advances to the left
a left-handed rope
6
: having or being the L-form molecular structure
left-handed adverb
left-handedly adverb
left-handedness noun

Examples of left-handed in a Sentence

I'd rather have no help at all than have his left-handed "assistance" failed to realize that he had received a left-handed compliment
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.
Santucci, the top left-handed prospect in the Mets’ system, said the skills learned by the trio during their time and Andover crafted them into the players who can succeed deep into the postseason. Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 16 Oct. 2025 So, in addition to changing particle flavors, using massive force carriers and making the universe left-handed, the weak nuclear force allows the sun to shine — not a bad trade-off for such a weird force. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025 Santander is still the same player who hit 44 home runs a season ago, so the Blue Jays will be missing some left-handed power potential against Gilbert. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 In addition, the Brewers could add another left-handed reliever who was left off the NLDS roster, like DL Hall. Andy McCullough, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for left-handed

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Left-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/left-handed. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

left-handed

adjective
left-hand·​ed
ˈleft-ˈhan-dəd
1
: using the left hand more easily than the right
2
: relating to, designed for, or done with the left hand
3
4
: going in or involving a counterclockwise direction
a left-handed screw
left-handed adverb
left-handedly adverb
left-handedness noun
left-hander
-ˈhan-dər
noun

Medical Definition

left-handed

adjective
1
: using the left hand habitually or more easily than the right
2
: relating to, designed for, or done with the left hand
3
: having a direction contrary to that of movement of the hands of a watch viewed from in front
4
left-handed adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on left-handed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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