left-handed

American  

[left-han-did] / ˈlɛftˈhæn dɪd /

adjective

1. having the left hand more dominant or effective than the right; preferably using the left hand.

   a left-handed pitcher.

2. adapted to or performed by the left hand.

   a left-handed tool; a left-handed tennis serve.

3. situated on the side of the left hand.

4. Machinery.

   1. rotating counterclockwise.

   2. noting a helical or spiral member, as a gear tooth or screw thread, that twists counterclockwise as it recedes from an observer.

5. Building Trades. left-hand.

6. ambiguous or doubtful and often unfavorable or derogatory by implication.

   a left-handed compliment.

7. clumsy or awkward.

8. of, relating to, or issuing from a morganatic marriage: so called from the custom, in morganatic marriage ceremonies, of having the bridegroom give his left hand to the bride.

---

adverb

1. with the left hand.

   He writes left-handed.

2. toward the left hand; in a counterclockwise direction.

   The strands of the rope are laid left-handed.

left-handed British  

adjective

1. using the left hand with greater ease than the right

2. performed with the left hand

3. designed or adapted for use by the left hand

4. worn on the left hand

5. awkward or clumsy

6. ironically ambiguous

   a left-handed compliment

7. turning from right to left; anticlockwise

8. law another term for morganatic

---

adverb

1. with the left hand

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• left-handedness
  noun
• left-handedly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of left-handed

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at left ¹, handed

Example Sentences

Vanderbilt, who is left-handed, was injured in the second quarter trying to block a dunk by Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren, but his hand hit the backboard.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

As a left-handed opener, right-arm pacers bowling from round the wicket pose an immediate threat to Gay with the new ball.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Julian Bravo will be a freshman left-handed pitcher and wants No. 32.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

The left-handed batter struggled for form towards the end of last summer and hit just one half-century in 16 innings across all formats this winter.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

I write her a note, a left-handed note, so she won’t know it’s from me.

From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson