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).

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-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

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Etymology

Origin of handed

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

Example Sentences

Warren 5, La Mirada 1: The Bears handed a rare league defeat to La Mirada.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Participants were handed a faixa—a long sash to wrap around their waists to protect their spines and give climbers a toehold.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

A memorable victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford has handed Leeds United a priceless lifeline in their quest for Premier League survival.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

The battered wooden trunk had been in the family for a century -- shifted from attic to barn to garage as it was handed down through the generations.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

She handed me four narrow strips of neon-green craft paper.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows