hand
1 of 3noun
ˈhand 
often attributive
1
a(1)
: the terminal part of the vertebrate forelimb when modified (as in humans) as a grasping organ : the body part at the end of the arm of a human, ape, or monkey
holding a pair of scissors in his hand
She put her hands over her eyes.
(2)
: the forelimb segment (such as the terminal section of a bird's wing) of a vertebrate higher than the fishes that corresponds to the hand irrespective of its form or functional specialization
b
: something resembling a hand: such as
(1)
: an indicator or pointer on a dial
the hands of a clock
(2)
: a character ☞ used to direct particular attention (as to a note or paragraph) : fist, index
(3)
: a cluster of bananas developed from a single flower group
(4)
: a branched rootstock of ginger
(5)
: a bunch of large leaves (as of tobacco) tied together usually with another leaf
c
: a part serving the function of or resembling a hand: such as
(1)
: the hind foot of an ape
(2)
: the chela of a crustacean
2
a
: personal possession —usually used in plural
The documents fell into the hands of the enemy.
b
: control, supervision —usually used in plural
left the matter in her hands
3
a
: one of two sides or aspects of an issue or argument
On the one hand we can appeal for peace, and on the other, declare war.
b
: side, direction
soldiers fighting on either hand
4
a
: assistance or aid especially involving physical effort
lend a hand
b
: participation, interest
had no hand in the decision
c
: a round of applause
Let's give them a big hand.
5
a
: skill, ability
tried her hand at sailing
b
: an instrumental part
had a hand in the victory
6
: a pledge especially of betrothal or bestowal in marriage
He asked for her hand in marriage.
7
a(1)
: the cards or pieces held by a player
studied her hand
(2)
: a player in a card game or board game
b
: a single round in a game
lost the first hand but won the next two
c
: the force or solidity of one's position (as in negotiations)
trying to strengthen their hand
8
a(1)
: a person employed at manual labor or general tasks
a ranch hand
(2)
: worker, employee
employed over a hundred hands
b
: a member of a ship's crew
All hands on deck!
c
: a person who performs or executes a particular work
two portraits by the same hand
d
: a person skilled in a particular action or pursuit
a great hand at carpentry
e
: a specialist or veteran in a usually designated activity or region
a Latin America hand
9
a
: style of execution : workmanship
the hand of a master
b
: handiwork, doings
the hand of vandals
c
: the feel of or tactile reaction to something (such as silk or leather)
10
a
: style of penmanship : handwriting
wrote in a fancy hand
b
: signature
11
: a unit of measure equal to 4 inches (10.2 centimeters) used especially for the height of horses
a horse that is 15 hands high
12
: a punch made with a specified hand
knocked him out with a good right hand
hand
2 of 3verb
handed; handing; hands
transitive verb
1
a
: to give, pass, or transmit with the hand
hand a letter to her
b
: to present or provide with
handed him a surprise
2
: to lead, guide, or assist with the hand
hand a lady into a bus
3
a
: furl
hand the sail
b
obsolete : to touch or manage with the hands
also : to deal with
hand
3 of 3adverb
: with the hands rather than by machine
hand stitched
Phrases
at hand 1
: near in time or place : within reach
use whatever ingredients are at hand
2
: currently receiving or deserving attention
the business at hand
: by or through the action of
suffering at the hands of a cruel dictator
1
: with the hands or a hand-worked implement (such as a tool or pen) rather than with a machine
2
: from one individual directly to another
deliver the document by hand
1
: in one's possession or control
had matters well in hand
with money in hand
2
: in preparation
a new play in hand
3
: under consideration
took the matter in hand
: everywhere
could hear scurrying noises on all hands
1
: in present possession or readily available
kept supplies on hand
2
: in attendance : present
A priest was on hand to console them.
3
: about to appear : pending
There was trouble on hand.
: in one's possession or care
too much time on my hands
1
: out of control
They let the situation get out of hand.
2
: without delay or deliberation
also : in a summary or peremptory manner
rejected the plan out of hand
3
: done with : finished
4
: with the hands
fruit eaten out of hand
1
: within reach
weapons ready to hand
2
: into possession
The letter … has come to hand …—
George Washington
George Washington : to give credit to : concede the excellence of
I have to hand it to him. He did a wonderful job.
Synonyms
Noun
- angle
- aspect
- facet
- phase
- side
Verb
- deliver
- feed
- furnish
- give
- hand over
- provide
- supply
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Noun These gloves will keep your hands warm. She put her hands over her eyes. He sat quietly with his hands folded in his lap. Do you need a hand? Verb was happy to hand her grandmother's cookie recipes to the parish ladies to put in their cookbook the clerk handed her the receipt See More
Recent Examples on the WebMichael Arinze, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2023 One digital surveillance expert thinks that tech billionaires like Musk have gotten out of hand. —Prarthana Prakash, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2023 If the situation gets out of hand and a large houseplant is infested with gnats, the most aggressive option, although still organic, is to use a product called Mosquito Bits. —Susan Brownstein, cleveland, 31 Jan. 2023 Their longevity with an original lineup, as well as their musical integrity, brings to mind U2, a comparison that Banay doesn’t dismiss out of hand. —David Brinn, Variety, 31 Jan. 2023 But the middle rule is probably the most important: a slap is supposed to be delivered with the flat palm of the hand, not the meaty heel, which might produce a more harmful blow. —Kelefa Sanneh, The New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2023 Mathurin cracked the 20-point mark for the fifth straight game Sunday night with 27 points including 15 in the second half to keep the game from getting completely out of hand even as the Grizzlies took over. —Dustin Dopirak, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Jan. 2023 Across the country, there’s a silent frustration brewing about an age-old practice that many say is getting out of hand: tipping. —Haleluya Hadero, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2023 Some consumers say tip requests are getting out of hand. —Camille C. Knox, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2023 Kerri Colby, Variety, 9 Feb. 2023 After James sunk the record-breaking basket, the game was paused so that Abdul-Jabbar could ceremoniously hand James the basketball. —CBS News, 8 Feb. 2023 Cochise County can't hand count all of its ballots after the election as planned, a judge said Monday after a Nov. 4 hearing on the controversial effort. —The Arizona Republic, 7 Nov. 2022 While many migrants will hand themselves in to Border Patrol, others will attempt to sneak past overwhelmed agents -- aided by smugglers. —Adam Shaw, Fox News, 5 Nov. 2022 Matt Schweich, who is running South Dakota’s ballot initiative campaign to legalize recreational marijuana possession for adults, said the president’s pardons may hand the campaign a boost with older Democrats. —Andrew Demillo, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Oct. 2022 Among the chief proponents of the cooperation strategy was Alex Cannon, a Trump lawyer who repeatedly argued his client should hand the documents back, people familiar with the matter said. —Josh Dawsey, Washington Post, 12 Oct. 2022 If Brissett can hand six victories over to Deshaun Watson with six to go, the Browns will have a good chance to make the playoffs. —Mary Kay Cabot, cleveland, 2 Oct. 2022 Moreover, many of them are still steaming after Manchin cut the deal with Schumer to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, and would rather not hand the West Virginia Democrat another win. —Grace Segers, The New Republic, 23 Sep. 2022 Ben Adler, The New Republic, 13 Apr. 2020 The two phenomena go hand-in-hand: The Arctic Oscillation is positive because the polar vortex is strong. —Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2020 The developments come a day after the managers hand-delivered the articles of impeachment, adopted by the House in December, to the Senate after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., signed them in a historic engrossment ceremony. —NBC News, 16 Jan. 2020 One shop sold stuffed toys made to look hand-woven, as if a wry old local was out back sewing Ewok dolls. —BostonGlobe.com, 13 Sep. 2019 His vision is carried on by three generations of his family who hand-pick grapes to make homemade wine. —Verna Gates, al, 19 Sep. 2019 Food that’s healthy for people and healthy for the environment go hand-in-hand. —Anne Schamberg, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2019 For the next election, all of L.A. County will be ditching the previous system where voters hand-marked ballots for a system where computers will aid in the marking process. —Lila Seidman, Glendale News-Press, 3 Oct. 2019 Half the fun is perusing the lengthy cocktail list, designed to look hand-scrawled and presented in a small binder. —Paul Hodgins, Daily Pilot, 25 Sep. 2019 See More
Noun
As long as the game doesn’t get out of hand, the Eagles should remain patient with their rushing attack before trying to open up their offense in the second half. —Michael Arinze, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2023 One digital surveillance expert thinks that tech billionaires like Musk have gotten out of hand. —Prarthana Prakash, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2023 If the situation gets out of hand and a large houseplant is infested with gnats, the most aggressive option, although still organic, is to use a product called Mosquito Bits. —Susan Brownstein, cleveland, 31 Jan. 2023 Their longevity with an original lineup, as well as their musical integrity, brings to mind U2, a comparison that Banay doesn’t dismiss out of hand. —David Brinn, Variety, 31 Jan. 2023 But the middle rule is probably the most important: a slap is supposed to be delivered with the flat palm of the hand, not the meaty heel, which might produce a more harmful blow. —Kelefa Sanneh, The New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2023 Mathurin cracked the 20-point mark for the fifth straight game Sunday night with 27 points including 15 in the second half to keep the game from getting completely out of hand even as the Grizzlies took over. —Dustin Dopirak, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Jan. 2023 Across the country, there’s a silent frustration brewing about an age-old practice that many say is getting out of hand: tipping. —Haleluya Hadero, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2023 Some consumers say tip requests are getting out of hand. —Camille C. Knox, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2023 Verb
Now is the time to raise our collective voice and demand our seat at the table, because no one will simply hand it to us. —Kerri Colby, Variety, 9 Feb. 2023 After James sunk the record-breaking basket, the game was paused so that Abdul-Jabbar could ceremoniously hand James the basketball. —CBS News, 8 Feb. 2023 Cochise County can't hand count all of its ballots after the election as planned, a judge said Monday after a Nov. 4 hearing on the controversial effort. —The Arizona Republic, 7 Nov. 2022 While many migrants will hand themselves in to Border Patrol, others will attempt to sneak past overwhelmed agents -- aided by smugglers. —Adam Shaw, Fox News, 5 Nov. 2022 Matt Schweich, who is running South Dakota’s ballot initiative campaign to legalize recreational marijuana possession for adults, said the president’s pardons may hand the campaign a boost with older Democrats. —Andrew Demillo, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Oct. 2022 Among the chief proponents of the cooperation strategy was Alex Cannon, a Trump lawyer who repeatedly argued his client should hand the documents back, people familiar with the matter said. —Josh Dawsey, Washington Post, 12 Oct. 2022 If Brissett can hand six victories over to Deshaun Watson with six to go, the Browns will have a good chance to make the playoffs. —Mary Kay Cabot, cleveland, 2 Oct. 2022 Moreover, many of them are still steaming after Manchin cut the deal with Schumer to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, and would rather not hand the West Virginia Democrat another win. —Grace Segers, The New Republic, 23 Sep. 2022 Adverb
And putting money in people’s pockets goes hand-in-hand with social distancing policies, by defraying some of the costs of closing non-essential businesses, which in turn threatens the reliable paychecks of thousands of workers. —Ben Adler, The New Republic, 13 Apr. 2020 The two phenomena go hand-in-hand: The Arctic Oscillation is positive because the polar vortex is strong. —Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2020 The developments come a day after the managers hand-delivered the articles of impeachment, adopted by the House in December, to the Senate after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., signed them in a historic engrossment ceremony. —NBC News, 16 Jan. 2020 One shop sold stuffed toys made to look hand-woven, as if a wry old local was out back sewing Ewok dolls. —BostonGlobe.com, 13 Sep. 2019 His vision is carried on by three generations of his family who hand-pick grapes to make homemade wine. —Verna Gates, al, 19 Sep. 2019 Food that’s healthy for people and healthy for the environment go hand-in-hand. —Anne Schamberg, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2019 For the next election, all of L.A. County will be ditching the previous system where voters hand-marked ballots for a system where computers will aid in the marking process. —Lila Seidman, Glendale News-Press, 3 Oct. 2019 Half the fun is perusing the lengthy cocktail list, designed to look hand-scrawled and presented in a small binder. —Paul Hodgins, Daily Pilot, 25 Sep. 2019 See More Word History
Etymology
Noun, Verb, and Adverb
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German hant hand
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)
Verb
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3b
Adverb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing hand
Kids Definition
hand
1 of 2 noun ˈhand
1
a
: the free end part of the arm or forelimb when used (as in human beings) for handling, grasping, and holding
b
: any of various bodily parts (as the hind foot of an ape or the pincers of a crab) that are like the hand in structure or function
2
: something resembling a hand: as
a
: a pointer on a dial
b
: a figure of a hand with index finger extended to point something out
c
: a bunch of bananas
3
: personal possession : control
in the hands of the enemy
4
a
: side entry 1 sense 2, direction
fighting on either hand
b
: a side or point of view in an issue or argument
on the one hand, we can declare a tie, or on the other hand, keep playing
5
: a pledge especially of marriage
asked for her hand
6
: handwriting sense 2
7
: skill sense 1, ability
try one's hand at chess
8
a
: assistance or help involving physical effort
lend a hand
b
: a part or share in doing something
take a hand in the work
9
: a unit of measure equal to 4 inches (about 10.2 centimeters) used especially for the height of horses
10
: a round of applause
give him a hand
11
a
: the cards or pieces held by a player in a game
b
: a single round in a game
12
a
: one who performs or produces a work
two portraits by the same hand
b
: a hired worker
c
: a member of a ship's crew
all hands on deck
d
: one skilled in a particular activity or field
an old hand at foreign affairs
13
: workmanship sense 2
the hand of a master
hand
2 of 2 verb1
: to guide or assist with the hand
2
: to give or pass with or as if with the hand
hand a person a letter
Medical Definition
hand
noun ˈhand
often attributive
1
a(1)
: the terminal part of the vertebrate forelimb when modified (as in humans) as a grasping organ
(2)
: the forelimb segment (as the terminal section of a bird's wing) of a vertebrate higher than the fishes that corresponds to the hand irrespective of its form or functional specialization
b
: a part serving the function of or resembling a hand
especially : the hind foot of an ape
c
: something resembling a hand
especially : an indicator or pointer on a dial
2
: a unit of measure equal to 4 inches or 10.2 centimeters used especially for the height of horses
Biographical Definition
Hand
biographical name
ˈhand
(Billings) Learned 1872–1961 American jurist
hands 1 of 2
noun
1
as in control
the ability to direct the course of something the final decision is in your hands Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- control
- grasp
- arm
- direction
- power
- hold
- grip
- government
- management
- authority
- helm
- administration
- supervision
- operation
- running
- guidance
- jurisdiction
- command
- might
- clutch
- dominion
- mastery
- sway
- regulation
- governance
- domination
- oversight
- superintendence
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- helplessness
- weakness
- powerlessness
- impotence
- impotency
2
as in enjoyment
the fact or state of having (something) at one's disposal I'd like to get my hands on that vintage Cadillac convertible Synonyms & Similar Words
- control
- enjoyment
- possession
- keeping
- ownership
- power
- dominion
- proprietorship
- mastery
- confiscation
- retention
- authority
- command
- procurement
- claiming
- commandeering
- repossession
- collaring
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- surrendering
- relinquishment
- dispossession
- transferal
- nonpossession
hands
2 of 2verb
1
as in supplies
to put (something) into the possession of someone for use or consumption was happy to hand her grandmother's cookie recipes to the parish ladies to put in their cookbook Synonyms & Similar Words
- supplies
- provides
- gives
- hands over
- feeds
- furnishes
- distributes
- delivers
- deeds
- portions
- transfers
- dispenses
- doles out
- apportions
- plies (with)
- deals (out)
- administers
- makes over
- prorates
- metes (out)
- cedes
- allocates
- assigns
- parcels (out)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- holds (back)
- keeps (back)
- retains
- reserves
- saves
- maintains
- withholds
- preserves
- keeps up
- conserves
2
as in passes
to shift possession of (something) from one person to another the clerk handed her the receipt Synonyms & Similar Words
- passes
- transfers
- reaches
- fingers
- bucks
- hands over
- gives
- paws
- relays
- carries
- handles
- yields
- renders
- releases
- bears
- delivers
- relinquishes
- turns over
- surrenders
- gives up
- cedes
3
as in leaves
to put (something) into the possession or safekeeping of another handed me her bundles while she fished for her house keys Synonyms & Similar Words
- leaves
- transfers
- delegates
- gives
- passes
- trusts
- hands over
- loans
- relinquishes
- grants
- entrusts
- reposes
- delivers
- vests
- turns over
- gives over
- intrusts
- commends
- recommends
- confides
- consigns
- hands in
- commits
- lends
- supplies
- transmits
- hands on
- wills
- submits
- hands down
- bequeaths
- distributes
- assigns
- divides
- releases
- confers
- dispenses
- turns in
- yields
- surrenders
- advances
- furnishes
- disperses
- deals (out)
- retransfers
- redelivers
- retransmits
- recommits
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- holds
- keeps
- retains
- owns
- possesses
- reserves
- holds back
- takes
- receives
- withholds
- accepts
- occupies
- takes in
- takes over
- detains