backhand

American  

[bak-hand] / ˈbækˌhænd /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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adverb

1. with a backhand stroke

verb

1. sport to play (a shot) backhand

Etymology

Origin of backhand

First recorded in 1650–60; back ² + hand

Explanation

A backhand is when you hit a ball with a racket or paddle with your arm across your body and the back of your hand facing the ball. Some tennis players find it challenging to hit a backhand. You can use the word backhand as a noun or an adjective, to describe a stroke in tennis, squash, or any other sport that involves a racket. When backhand is a verb, it can mean to hit the ball this way, but it more often means to hit or slap someone with the back of your hand. The tennis stroke meaning has been around since the 1650s.

Example Sentences

The Sparks narrowed the deficit to one by halftime following an Ogwumike three-pointer and backhand layup late in the second.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

Carlsson, left all alone on the right side, doubled the advantage with his fourth goal of the playoffs at 13:24 of the third period, redirecting in a backhand pass from Troy Terry.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Sabalenka was now in the ascendancy and smacked a scorching backhand to break for a 2-0 lead, then holding for 3-0.

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

Anchored by a one-handed backhand that kept Djokovic guessing and an improved serve, Musetti held off his opponent to move within touching distance of a first Australian Open semi-final.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

But he couldn’t reach up to its backhand so he tried the sea horse.

From "The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funke