right hand

¹ American  

noun

1. the hand that is on the right side, or the side opposite that where the heart is.

2. the right side, as of a person, especially this side considered as the side of precedence or courtesy.

3. a position of honor or special trust.

4. an extremely efficient or reliable person or, sometimes, tool, especially a person considered as one's assistant.

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right-hand ² American  

[rahyt-hand] / ˈraɪtˈhænd /

adjective

1. on the right.

2. of, for, or with the right hand.

3. most reliable, valuable, or useful, as a helper or assistant.

4. plain-laid.

5. Building Trades. Also

   1. (of a door) having the hinges on the right when seen from the exterior of the building, room, closet, etc., to which the doorway leads.

   2. (of a casement sash) having the hinges on the right when seen from inside the window.

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right-hand British  

adjective

1. of, relating to, located on, or moving towards the right

   a right-hand bend

   this car has right-hand drive

2. for use by the right hand; right-handed

3. one's most valuable assistant or supporter

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Etymology

Origin of right hand¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English

Origin of right-hand²

adj. use of right hand

Explanation

Anything on the right-hand side is on the right. Just add hand if you don’t want people getting it confused with right as in “correct.” Also, your most reliable friend is your right-hand woman (or man). Your car's turn signal may be on the right-hand side of the steering wheel, and your dishwasher might be on the right-hand side of your kitchen sink. In both cases, right-hand describes something located toward the right, or in the direction of your right hand. A right-hand person, on the other hand, is someone you know you can depend on. In the musical "Hamilton," George Washington asks Alexander Hamilton to be his "right-hand man."

Example Sentences

Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla Model 3 early on March 1, according to the Colorado State Patrol, when he lost control on a right hand curve.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

As my bare right hand moved to protect the ball when it entered my glove, it suddenly bounced up sharply and hit the tip of my right hand’s middle finger.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

The 26-year-old collided with the advertising hoardings in the 76th minute of Wednesday's game and he fell to the floor clutching his thumb after looking at the wound on his right hand.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Stylists are the consigliere, the therapist and the trusted right hand of any Oscar nominee.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

He placed his right hand on his chest and added, “It’s like nothing I felt before. I can’t stop thinking about her!”

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez

Related Words

• crucial
• fundamental
• imperative
• important
• indispensable
• main
• necessary
• needed
• vital