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

In the third, he saved a run when he slid to his right to backhand a Giménez shot up the middle.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The world number 31 then played an incredible backhand pass to break Alcaraz in the final set and saved two break points on his way to victory.

Read more on BBC

That stoppage failed to halt Vacherot's momentum as he converted the third of three break points with a stunning cross-court backhand in the first game of the final set.

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Elder cousin Rinderknech went ahead in the match first, breaking with a backhand in the third game after three unforced errors from Vacherot.

Read more on Barron's

They may also chip away at your mood slowly, through backhanded compliments or pressuring you to be upbeat, where they don't allow you to express how you are really feeling.

Read more on BBC