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

Yet, he has improved his approach, honed more consistent swing mechanics, and balanced out his platoon splits, batting .353 against left-handed pitching in 2025.

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He said doctors told him they would try to get back "75% use" of his hand, but as he works at a printers and is left-handed, he fears for the future.

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He was known for his accurate left-handed shooting touch.

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The left-handed hitter played only 69 games, but still hit 24 home runs.

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Hosts India soon took charge with the left-handed Mandhana and Verma hitting regular boundaries to take the attack to the opposition bowlers.

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