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.

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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

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adverb

1. with the left hand

Other Word 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

Most known for its char kway teow, a wok-fried noodle dish with egg, shrimp, Chinese sausage and a hint of spice, head to Left-handed Char Koay Teow or Goggles Man Char Kuey Teow.

From Salon • Nov. 15, 2025

Left-handed pitcher Mike Erspamer of San Clemente High completed Sea View League competition by throwing 27-2/3 scoreless innings in helping the Tritons clinch the league championship.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2025

Left-handed MacIntyre continues to impress and on current form has every chance of becoming Scotland’s first major winner since Paul Lawrie, 25 years ago.

From BBC • May 18, 2024

Left-handed reliever Nick Ramirez was called up in a corresponding move.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2024

Left-handed buttoning would be rather awkward, especially if one were in a hurry.

From The So-called Human Race by Taylor, Bert Leston