overhand

[ oh-ver-hand ]

/ ˈoʊ vərˌhænd /

Save This Word!

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.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of overhand

First recorded in 1860–65; over- + hand

Words nearby overhand

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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