hands-on

adjective

ˈhan(d)z-ˈȯn How to pronounce hands-on (audio)
-ˈän
Synonyms of hands-onnext
1
: relating to, being, or providing direct practical experience in the operation or functioning of something
hands-on training
also : involving or allowing use of or touching with the hands
a hands-on museum display
2
: characterized by active personal involvement
a hands-on manager

Examples of hands-on 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.
Hosting Hackathons Hackathons give developers the space and incentive to experiment while offering hands-on access to the product. — Kevin Cochrane, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Microsoft and Nvidia held a launch party for the first wave of RTX Spark laptops last week in San Francisco, where a new wave of AI PCs took center stage amid a packed crowd and a lively hands-on area. — Tom Warren, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026 The program will combine rigorous coursework and mentorship opportunities with hands-on teaching placements in diverse urban, suburban and rural K-12 districts in the Sacramento region, according to its website. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Emma and Diego Contreras of Plano had already decided that Diego would take a more hands-on role in the birth of their third child, who wasn't due until the following week. — Robbie Owens, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hands-on

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of hands-on was in 1905

Rhymes for hands-on

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Browse Nearby Words

handsomeness
hands-on
handspan
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hands-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hands-on. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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