by hand

phrase

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

Examples of by hand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Explosives were carefully used to clear a path before army rescuers continued to meticulously dig by hand to reach any survivors inside. — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 Mendoza, who is set to begin the season as the Raiders’ backup, is not the only quarterback or football player with a habit of taking notes by hand. — Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 If using a Satsuma, peel it by hand, remove any particularly thick, stringy bits or pieces of pith, and then cut it into similar shapes. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 Real demand and big revenue, but every estimate was created by hand, and one employee was spending 10-20 hours a week doing data entry to keep up. — Tony Pec, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for by hand

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of by hand was before the 12th century

Rhymes for by hand

See All Rhymes for by hand

Browse Nearby Words

by halves
by hand
by heart
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“By hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20hand. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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