forehand

American  

[fawr-hand, fohr-] / ˈfɔrˌhænd, ˈfoʊr- /

adjective

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

2. being in front or ahead.

3. foremost or leading.

4. done beforehand; given or made in advance, as a payment.

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noun

1. (in tennis, squash, etc.) a forehand stroke.

2. the part of a horse that is in front of the rider.

3. Cards. the player on the dealer's left, in a game with three players.

4. Archaic. a superior or advantageous position.

adverb

1. (in tennis, squash, etc.) with a forehand stroke.

forehand British  

/ ˈfɔːˌhænd /

adjective

1. sport

   1. (of a stroke) made with the racket held so that the wrist is facing the direction of the stroke

   2. of or relating to the right side of a right-handed player or the left side of a left-handed player

2. foremost or paramount

3. done or given beforehand

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noun

1. sport

   1. a forehand stroke

   2. the side on which such strokes are made

2. the part of a horse in front of the saddle

3. a frontal position

adverb

1. sport with a forehand stroke

verb

1. sport to play (a shot) forehand

Etymology

Origin of forehand

First recorded in 1535–45; fore- + hand

Example Sentences

The American moved to match point when Burruchaga drilled a backhand wide down the line, and then clinched victory when the South American yanked a wild forehand long on the next point.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

The left-hander's successful recovery from injury was also underlined by the fact 19 of his 24 winners flew off his previously affected forehand side.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

In the second tie-breaker, Fritz captured the match on his first opportunity when Cilic smacked a service return forehand long.

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

A thumping forehand and a long backhand from his opponent was enough to help the Briton wrap up victory in only 61 minutes.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

I tried hitting one backhand; the stroke was horrible; I returned to only whacking my forehand, my best stroke.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane