left-handed

American  

[left-han-did] / ˈlɛftˈhæn dɪd /

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 hand.

   He writes left-handed.

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

   The strands of the rope are laid left-handed.

left-handed British  

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

Derived Forms

• left-handedness
  noun
• left-handedly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of left-handed

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

Example Sentences

But left-handed pitcher Madden Clement, typically Virginia Tech’s mid-week starter, surrendered the pair of solo shots to tie the score 5-5.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

The left-handed Halliday caused problems for the hosts, who gave away 18 runs in wides, although Bell again proved her invaluable presence as attack leader as the ODI side begins its transition.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

He’s also a left-handed pitcher with four saves so beware of him on the mound in the coming years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

As a left-handed opener, right-arm pacers bowling from round the wicket pose an immediate threat to Gay with the new ball.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Because my navel was an “innie” and not an “outie,” and because I was left-handed and not right-handed, I was destined to become the sage in the family, and someday would do something great.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane