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two-handed

American  
[too-han-did] / ˈtuˈhæn dɪd /

adjective

  1. having two hands.

  2. using both hands equally well; ambidextrous.

  3. involving or requiring the use of both hands.

    a two-handed sword; a two-handed backhand.

  4. requiring the hands of two persons to operate.

    a two-handed saw.

  5. engaged in by two persons.

    a two-handed game.


two-handed British  

adjective

  1. requiring the use of both hands

  2. ambidextrous

  3. requiring the participation or cooperation of two people

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of two-handed

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It's a two-handed push. This is far removed from normal footballing contact. This is too excessive for us to ignore."

From BBC • May 29, 2026

Jaxson Hayes punctuated the third with a two-handed dunk, bringing the crowd out of their seats.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Sheppard immediately responded with a midrange jumper then picked James’ pocket on the next Lakers possession, going coast-to-coast for a two-handed dunk that pushed the lead back to seven with 2:20 remaining.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

The 29-year-old, the beaten finalist in 2021, 2022 and 2024, reset and straight away broke back with a terrific two-handed backhand down the line.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

Fighting two-handed with just a sword gives you more power, but fighting one-handed with a shield gives you better defense and versatility.

From "The Sea of Monsters" by Rick Riordan

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