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)

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

Etymology

Origin of overhand

First recorded in 1860–65; over- + hand

Example Sentences

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

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

On the field, Erskine was known for his strong overhand curveball and his dependability as a starting pitcher in 12 seasons with the Dodgers, in Brooklyn and Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2024

Two rounds later, Álvarez, with Charlo again on the ropes, delivered a clean overhand right hand that stunned his opponent.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2023

The 33-year-old Briton - who was jeered by fans during the fight - landed nothing of note until an overhand right ended Helenius' night.

From BBC • Aug. 12, 2023

She threw the axe, overhand, as hard and straight as she could: not hard, not straight, but with an awesome fury.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell