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

Two Bob Millers, both right-handed pitchers, were New York Mets teammates in 1962. —Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026

Michelsen is the rare pro who is unbothered by Tien’s left-handedness, even though most of his opponents are right-handed. —Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026

The Mets signed right-handed reliever Luis García to a one-year contract after the 38-year-old delivered a solid 2025 season with three different teams. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026

The most logical move is to sign Harrison Bader, who is a right-handed-hitting center fielder. —Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 21 Jan. 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