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handed

American  
[han-did] / ˈhæn dɪd /

adjective

  1. having or involving a hand or hands (usually used in combination).

    two-handed backhand; a four-handed piano work.

  2. using a particular hand (usually used in combination).

    right-handed.

  3. having, requiring, or with the number of people, workers, or players indicated (usually used in combination).

    a three-handed game of poker.

  4. manned; staffed (usually used in combination).


-handed British  

adjective

  1. having a hand or hands as specified

    broad-handed

    a four-handed game of cards

  2. made as specified for either left- or right-hand operation or positioning

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of handed

First recorded in 1520–30; hand + -ed 3

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Officers came up and asked him for his driver’s license. He handed over his driver’s license and then they told him they were ICE and they’re gonna take him into custody,” Kolasinski said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

"Both of them have been handed over to their relatives," Bhattarai added.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

In its final report, handed to current President Adama Barrow in 2021, it identified those most responsible and recommended their prosecution.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Illinois officials have handed out samples of Copi cakes at the state fair, and set up a website, Choose Copi, to encourage restaurants, fishmongers and consumers to embrace the fish.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

I handed her the package and followed her to the door.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu