left-handed

[left-han-did]

adjective

1. having the left hand more dominant or effective than the right; preferably using the left hand.

   a left-handed pitcher.

2. adapted to or performed by the left hand.

   a left-handed tool; a left-handed tennis serve.

3. situated on the side of the left hand.

4. Machinery.

   1. rotating counterclockwise.

   2. noting a helical or spiral member, as a gear tooth or screw thread, that twists counterclockwise as it recedes from an observer.

5. Building Trades.,  left-hand.

6. ambiguous or doubtful and often unfavorable or derogatory by implication.

   a left-handed compliment.

7. clumsy or awkward.

8. of, relating to, or issuing from a morganatic marriage: so called from the custom, in morganatic marriage ceremonies, of having the bridegroom give his left hand to the bride.

adverb

1. with the left leave left hand.

   He writes left-handed.

2. toward the left leave left hand; in a counterclockwise direction.

   The strands of the rope are laid left-handed.

left-handed

adjective

1. using the left hand with greater ease than the right

2. performed with the left hand

3. designed or adapted for use by the left hand

4. worn on the left hand

5. awkward or clumsy

6. ironically ambiguous

   a left-handed compliment

7. turning from right to left; anticlockwise

8. law another term for morganatic

adverb

1. with the left hand

Other Word Forms

• left-handedly adverb
• left-handedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of left-handed¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; left ¹, handed

Example Sentences

But for a team that could use as many runs as possible given the problems in the bullpen, getting three left-handed starters could make life tough.

From Los Angeles Times

As a left-handed hitter, he also appeared to have potential value off the bench.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers went on to mount a rally against the Tampa Bay bullpen, snapping a three-decade title drought while the left-handed ace watched on from the bench.

From Los Angeles Times

And though Kershaw could have been an option in the bullpen, the Dodgers already have an abundance of left-handed relievers.

From Los Angeles Times

The Reds finished the season with just one left-handed pitcher, Brent Suter, in their bullpen.

From Los Angeles Times