right-hand

1 of 2

adjective

ˈrīt-ˌhand How to pronounce right-hand (audio)
Synonyms of right-handnext
1
: situated on the right
2
: right-handed
3
: chiefly relied on
his right-hand man

right hand

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: the hand on a person's right side
b
: an indispensable person
2
a
: the right side
b
: a place of honor

Examples of right-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.
Adjective
Barcola should bring more spark and incisiveness to Liverpool’s attack, but some of last season’s shortcomings, notably on the right-hand side of the team and in midfield, haven’t been addressed. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 His former right-hand man, Leon Simmons (Isaiah John), and Leon’s girlfriend, Wanda Bell (Gail Bean), were striving to rebuild their lives after getting married. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
Kym Whitley plays Kim, Varnell’s right hand, who keeps his business, and the show’s (and the series itself), nailed down. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Mayer had some early success with her jab, but Cameron increasingly took control as the fight progressed and landed the cleaner punches before hurting Mayer with a right hand in the eighth round. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for right-hand

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

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

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

Rhymes for right-hand

See All Rhymes for right-hand

Browse Nearby Words

rightfulness
right-hand
right hand
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Right-hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/right-hand. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

right-hand

adjective
ˈrīt-ˌhand
1
: located on the right
2
: right-handed sense 1
3
: relied on most of all
right-hand man

Medical Definition

right-hand

1 of 2 adjective
ˈrīt-ˌhand How to pronounce right-hand (audio)
1
: situated on the right
2
: right-handed

right hand

2 of 2 noun
1
: the hand on a person's right side
2
: the right side
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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