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

Fonseca's biggest weapon is the ferocious forehand that leaves opponents beaten and spectators gasping with excitement.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

But he realized he wanted to be a professional golfer when his father, an avid tennis player, noticed that his son’s forehand form better resembled a golf swing.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

In the other semi-final, Shelton rescued a break point in the 11th game when Shapovalov missed a forehand long as they battled into a deciding tie-breaker.

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 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

My forehand was relatively strong, my backhand regrettably weak.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela