handwritten

British  

/ ˈhændˌrɪtən /

adjective

1. written by hand; not printed or typed

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Explanation

Something that's handwritten is written with a pen or a pencil — not typed or printed. A handwritten thank-you letter is a pleasant surprise these days. Formal documents are almost always typed or sent electronically, and not handwritten. It's increasingly common for letters, invitations, and birthday greetings to be sent this way as well — which makes handwritten notes and greetings all the more intimate and meaningful. If you send handwritten invitations to a party, you write each one out by hand.

Example Sentences

With her handwritten lyrics on a stand before her, she drops her head and exhales heavily as she cries.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

In his handwritten letter, Havens was asking for a free subscription to the journal and a mentor.

From Slate • May 2, 2026

We now know from court documents that the thief is alleged to have faked a handwritten note saying that particular item had been stolen in 1963.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Among the copies of the Declaration on display is one handwritten by Thomas Jefferson.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

On the floor of the locker the only mess is mine: a broken bootlace, a hatpin, and a scrap of paper with handwritten text, which I bend to pick up.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse