backhand

[bak-hand]

noun

1. a stroke, slap, etc., made with the palm of the hand turned toward the body and the back of the hand turned in the direction of the stroke, slap, etc.

2. (in tennis, squash, etc.) a stroke made from the side of the body opposite to that of the hand holding the racket, paddle, etc.

3. handwriting that slopes toward the left.

adjective

1. backhanded.

2. (in tennis, squash, etc.) of, relating to, or noting a stroke made from the side of the body opposite to that of the hand holding the racket, paddle, etc.

adverb

1. with the back of the hand.

   He hit him backhand across the face.

2. from across the body; backhanded.

   She returned the ball backhand on the first serve.

verb (used with object)

1. to strike with the back of the hand.

2. to hit, produce, or accomplish with a backhand.

3. to catch (a ball or the like) backhanded.

backhand

/ ˈbækˌhænd /

noun

1. sport

   1. a stroke made across the body with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke

   2. ( as modifier )

      a backhand return

2. the side on which backhand strokes are made

3. handwriting slanting to the left

adverb

1. with a backhand stroke

verb

1. sport to play (a shot) backhand

Word History and Origins

Origin of backhand¹

First recorded in 1650–60; back ² + hand

Example Sentences

She attacked the Swiatek serve, immediately breaking back then biding her time as she displayed superb skill on the backhand side and served brilliantly.

From BBC

There were more roars seconds later when he lost the match point with a backhand into the net.

From BBC

The Italian saved two match points in the final game - one on a Norrie double fault - but then sent a backhand beyond the baseline, handing the Briton victory after two hours and seven minutes.

From BBC

This will be a battle between Anisimova's big backhand and Swiatek's big forehand - it's going to be a real chess match.

From BBC

A lengthy point which ended with Djokovic sat on the turf having fired down a brilliant backhand winner while off balance was met with a standing ovation from a crowd enthralled by the veteran's capabilities.

From BBC