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

With 16 of his 19 knockouts inside three rounds, Makhmudov carried early danger on paper and landed an overhand right on Tyson Fury's ear in the opening round.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

In a fifth round that lit up Brooklyn's Barclays Center, Smith stood toe-to-toe with the heavy-handed Puerto Rican and dropped him with a looping overhand right.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2026

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

Some wear their fatigues inside out, identifying them as Marines who are just learning to swim and flailing the length of the pool in a mix of dog paddle and haphazard overhand stroke.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 8, 2023

“Watch me,” she said, and threw the onion overhand in his direction.

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack