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  • handed
    handed
    adjective
    having or involving a hand or hands (usually used in combination).
  • -handed
    -handed
    adjective
    having a hand or hands as specified

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.

Speaking to broadcasters, Sir Keir Starmer said he had handed over all the "messages I hold" and had "complied" with the process.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

And for both Paramount+ and Peacock, those eyeballs might matter more long term than any statuettes being handed out during the ceremony itself.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

The former president was arrested last year and handed over to the Netherlands-based tribunal.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

The administration didn’t instruct health officials to approve Replimune’s drug, and the White House has since handed the reins to the FDA, people familiar with the events said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

Not saying a word, Grandpa ran his hand down in his pocket, pulled out the money I had given him, and handed it to me.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

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