one-handed

American

[wuhn-han-did] / ˈwʌnˈhæn dɪd /

adjective

having or using only one hand.

The left fielder made a one-handed catch of the fly ball.

adverb

with one hand.

to drive one-handed.

Etymology

Origin of one-handed

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At one point, Wembanyama threw down a one-handed alley-oop while a defender was hanging on his other arm.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

Smart whipped a one-handed bounce pass to the cutting 41-year-old who finished with a soaring dunk.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

They mouth thank you as they spear a noodle one-handed, already fielding another call from the office.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2026

Anchored by a one-handed backhand that kept Djokovic guessing and an improved serve, Musetti held off his opponent to move within touching distance of a first Australian Open semi-final.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

I watch as, one-handed, Caesar eats like he’s starving.

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023