overhand

[ oh-ver-hand ]

/ ˈoʊ vərˌhænd /

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adjective

thrown or performed with the hand raised over the shoulder; overarm: overhand stroke.

with the hand and part or all of the arm raised above the shoulder: to pitch overhand.

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

adverb Also o·ver·hand·ed.

with the hand over the object: to grasp one's fork overhand.

noun

an overhand stroke, throw, or delivery.

verb (used with object)

to sew overhand.

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Origin of overhand

First recorded in 1860–65; over- + hand

Words nearby overhand

overglaze, overgraze, overground, overgrow, overgrowth, overhand, overhand knot, overhang, overhasty, overhaul, overhead

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use overhand in a sentence

If the weight is heavy for you, hold it with both hands, using an overhand grip with the right.
Why (and How) You Should Master the Turkish Get-Up|Hayden Carpenter|November 21, 2020|Outside Online
Throwing himself forward, headed downstream, Tad struck out with long, overhand strokes for the Chinaman.
The Pony Rider Boys in Texas|Frank Gee Patchin
But even as he drew back his arms, Bunny whirled and made an overhand pass to his captain.
The Boy Scouts of Lakeville High|Leslie W. Quirk
The overhand stitch is used as an ornamental stitch for joining selvages and in hemming.
Textiles and Clothing|Kate Heintz Watson

The pieces for an overhand seam should be pinned carefully, placing the pins at right angles to the edge.
Textiles and Clothing|Kate Heintz Watson
Fold as in an ordinary hem, then fold the hem back on the right side and overhand the edge formed, taking fine stitches.
Textiles and Clothing|Kate Heintz Watson

British Dictionary definitions for overhand

overhand

/ (ˈəʊvəˌhænd) /

adjective

thrown or performed with the hand raised above the shoulder

sewn with thread passing over two edges in one direction

adverb

with the hand above the shoulder; overarm

with shallow stitches passing over two edges

verb

to sew (two edges) overhand

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012