right hand

¹

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.

right-hand

²

[rahyt-hand]

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.

right-hand

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of right hand¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English

Origin of right hand²

adj. use of right hand

Example Sentences

The pass was behind Dent, so he had to reach back with his right hand, his back turned toward the basket on the far end of the court.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Spencer, 40, enjoyed brief success in the fourth round when a pair of right hands connected, but Mayer reasserted herself, closing the eighth with four powerful hooks and a wide points victory looked inevitable.

Read more on BBC

His profile photo was of a young white man wearing a face covering, there was a German flag and the words "right hand path always".

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Doctors said Rueda would likely return to Spain on Thursday "to undergo surgery on his right hand in Barcelona in the coming days".

Read more on Barron's

It was Smith’s first home run of the postseason, which began with him nursing an injured right hand, but which has evolved into him once again becoming the beating heart of the Dodger lineup.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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