overhand

American  

[oh-ver-hand] / ˈoʊ vərˌhænd /

adjective

1. thrown or performed with the hand raised over the shoulder; overarm.

   overhand stroke.

2. with the hand and part or all of the arm raised above the shoulder.

   to pitch overhand.

3. (in sewing and embroidery) with close, shallow stitches over two edges.

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adverb

1. with the hand over the object.

   to grasp one's fork overhand.

noun

1. an overhand stroke, throw, or delivery.

verb (used with object)

overhands, present (3rd person singular) overhanded, past participle, past overhanding present participle

1. to sew overhand.

overhand British  

/ ˈəʊvəˌhænd /

adjective

1. thrown or performed with the hand raised above the shoulder

2. sewn with thread passing over two edges in one direction

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adverb

1. with the hand above the shoulder; overarm

2. with shallow stitches passing over two edges

verb

1. to sew (two edges) overhand

Other Word Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

• has overhanded
  perfect 3rd person singular
• have overhanded
  perfect
• has been overhanding
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• am overhanding
  progressive 1st person singular
• is overhanding
  progressive 3rd person singular
• are overhanding
  progressive
• have been overhanding
  perfect progressive
• overhanding
  participle
• overhands
  singular 3rd person

Past

• had overhanded
  perfect
• were overhanding
  progressive plural
• was overhanding
  progressive singular
• had been overhanding
  perfect progressive
• overhanded
  participle
• overhanded
  simple

Future

• will overhand
  simple
• will have overhanded
  perfect
• will have been overhanding
  perfect progressive
• will be overhanding
  progressive

Etymology

Origin of overhand

First recorded in 1860–65; over- + hand

Example Sentences

Lesch’s delivery had one major flaw: He threw directly overhand, as opposed to three-quarters or even sidearm, which can increase velocity but also places additional strain on the shoulder and elbow.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

The Zimbabwe-born heavyweight's jab was largely non-existent but an overhand right - a trademark Chisora shot - stunned Wilder in the fifth.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

He did land a looping overhand right in the fourth, but it barely registered with Joshua.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

Simpson was the home hero at the First Direct Bank Arena on Saturday but was on the back foot for much of the fight, struggling to deal with the smaller man's overhand right hands.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

Joe, the Saints’ first pitcher, promptly winged an overhand bean ball at Harlan Betchel, who staggered clear of the batter’s box, pointing his bat accusingly at Joe.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols