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

---

Other Word Forms

• two-handedly adverb
• two-handedness noun

Etymology

Origin of two-handed

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

Reaves provided the fans with a big-time highlight, driving down the lane and throwing down a two-handed dunk on Jaylin Williams and Aaron Wiggins to end the first quarter.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 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

But it instantiates the way the story holds its jumble of optimism and disaster in a firm, two-handed grasp: death and chaos on one side, miracles and blessings on the other.

From Salon • Jan. 8, 2026

The exercise seemingly powered him up for the two-handed dunk to come.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2025

At their head rode a big man in a striped shadowskin cloak, armed with a two-handed greatsword.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin