empty-handed

adjective

emp·​ty-hand·​ed ˌem(p)-tē-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce empty-handed (audio)
1
: having or bringing nothing
2
: having acquired or gained nothing
came back empty-handed

Examples of empty-handed 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.
His coalition partners also ended up empty-handed in the ballot. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 After a week searching for Luna, her owners returned to California empty-handed. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 Once the paper trail catches up, the buyer is generally left empty-handed. — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 15 Oct. 2026 The store owner grabbed a gun and fired, sending the group fleeing empty-handed, according to FOX13 Seattle. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for empty-handed

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of empty-handed was in 1549

Rhymes for empty-handed

See All Rhymes for empty-handed

Browse Nearby Words

empty glume
empty-handed
empty-headed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Empty-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empty-handed. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

empty-handed

adjective
emp·​ty-hand·​ed
ˌem(p)-tē-ˈhan-dəd
1
: having nothing in the hands
2
: having acquired or gained nothing
came back empty-handed
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