hands-on

American  

[handz-on, -awn] / ˈhændzˈɒn, -ˈɔn /

adjective

1. characterized by or involved in active personal participation in an activity; individual and direct.

   a workshop to give children hands-on experience with computers.

2. requiring manual operation, control, adjustment, or the like; not automatic or computerized.

   the old hands-on telephone switchboards.

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hands-on British  

adjective

1. involving practical experience of equipment, etc

   hands-on training in the use of computers

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Etymology

Origin of hands-on

First recorded in 1905–10; by analogy with hands-off

Example Sentences

"We try to mix education in with hands-on activities because it is something you can get kids involved with," said Helen.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Proton’s customer support prioritizes self-service, which may not satisfy users who want immediate, hands-on assistance from actual humans.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

“Kids in the preschool and kindergarten years really benefit from hands-on play and tactile learning experiences,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

A new way to experience the local culture on vacation: hands-on workshops from flower arranging in Belgium to basket weaving in southern Africa.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

Similar to many of the other methods, the Orff Schulwerk emphasizes that children should experience first and then analyze or intellectualize about music afterwards, and encourages hands-on music-making regardless of skill level.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• firsthand