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-hand¹

adj. use of right hand

Example Sentences

The AI-enhanced image also led some social media users to falsely claim the object in Pretti's right hand was a weapon, but analysis of the verified footage showed he was holding a phone.

From Barron's

Her right hand reached out, and she touched the spark of phosphorescent light.

From Literature

Quincy trots by, bouncing the ball from right hand to left.

From Literature

His right hand is worse than the left, mangled into a knot.

From Literature

He teetered a bit on his toes, then caught himself with the heel of his right hand, messing up part of the work he’d just done.

From Literature

Related Words

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