minute hand

American  

[min-it] / ˈmɪn ɪt /

noun

1. the hand that indicates the minutes on a clock or watch, usually longer than the hour hand.

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minute hand British  

/ ˈmɪnɪt /

noun

1. the pointer on a timepiece that indicates minutes, typically the longer hand of two Compare hour hand second hand

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Etymology

Origin of minute hand

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

minute hand

Using the tip of a sharpened pencil, I delicately push the minute hand of the watch around in a circle, though the hour hand is unmovable, permanently pointing at 11 o’clock.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2025

The 62-year-old also explained how the clock keeps its time during the year despite the forces of gravity on the minute hand.

From BBC ● Oct. 26, 2024

Those were provided, and we watched the minute hand slink toward 8.

From Slate ● Nov. 3, 2023

The minute hands of most clocks don't move backward, and the Doomsday Clock, once its minute hand is set, doesn't start ticking forward.

From Salon ● Feb. 5, 2023

The minute hand on her grandfather clock ticks another notch toward the top of the hour.

From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse