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
After once again getting the lowest scores of the week, Jimmy Kimmel’s right-hand man thinks maybe the judges were just having a bad day. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026 McIntyre in particular takes on a central role in the show, playing Roscoe, the right-hand man and tech expert to secret agent Adam Hawke (Mattson). — Joe Otterson, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
Uthmeier, in addition to being the governor’s right hand, chaired Keep Florida Clean, a political committee fighting to squash Amendment 3, which would have legalized marijuana. — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 Instead, manager Dave Roberts will put the ball — and his team’s future — in the massive right hand of Tyler Glasnow, who will have no margin for error. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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
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