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

Inflected Forms

Participles

• overhanding
  present
• overhanded
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• overhand
  simple
• overhands
  simple
• have overhanded
  perfect
• has overhanded
  perfect
• am overhanding
  progressive
• are overhanding
  progressive
• is overhanding
  progressive
• have been overhanding
  perfect progressive
• has been overhanding
  perfect progressive

Past

• overhanded
  simple
• had overhanded
  perfect
• was overhanding
  progressive
• were overhanding
  progressive
• had been overhanding
  perfect progressive

Future

• will overhand
  simple
• will have overhanded
  perfect
• will be overhanding
  progressive
• will have been overhanding
  perfect 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 American challenger, who accepted the bout on just 15 days' notice, caused swelling under Serrano's right eye with an overhand left in the fifth.

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2026

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

Allen sparked to life in the ninth round and connected with an overhand right, but Makhmudov showed toughness and durability.

From BBC • Oct. 11, 2025

Suddenly to his own surprise Adam launched a wild, overhand, harmless swing which had neither force nor direction.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck