handed

[han-did]

adjective

1. having or involving a hand or hands (usually used in combination).

   two-handed backhand; a four-handed piano work.

2. using a particular hand (usually used in combination).

   right-handed.

3. having, requiring, or with the number of people, workers, or players indicated (usually used in combination).

   a three-handed game of poker.

4. manned; staffed (usually used in combination).

-handed

adjective

1. having a hand or hands as specified

   broad-handed

   a four-handed game of cards

2. made as specified for either left- or right-hand operation or positioning

Word History and Origins

Origin of handed¹

First recorded in 1520–30; hand + -ed ³

Example Sentences

With England international Lucy Bronze still recovering from the broken tibia she played with during Euro 2025, Carpenter was handed an immediate chance to make an impression.

From BBC

Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez has been handed a six-match suspension for spitting at a Seattle Sounders' staff member following his side's 3-0 Leagues Cup final defeat.

From BBC

“They fought, they bled, they struggled, they died for us. They built this country for us. America, in all its glory, is their gift to us, handed down across the generations. It belongs to us. It’s our birthright, our heritage, our destiny. If America is everything and everyone, then it is nothing and no one at all. But we know that’s not true. America is not a ‘universal nation.’

From Slate

Crossland, of Everill Gate Lane, Wombwell, Barnsley, who pleaded guilty to violent disorder and arson with intent to endanger life, was handed one of the longest sentences in connection with the Manvers riot at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday.

From BBC

Knight, of The Crescent, Bolton-upon-Dearne, was handed a 20-month sentence suspended for two years along with 50 sessions of rehabilitation activity and must return to court for periodic reviews by the judge.

From BBC