backhand

[ bak-hand ]

noun

1. a stroke, slap, etc., made with the palm of the hand turned toward the body and the back of the hand turned in the direction of the stroke, slap, etc.
2. (in tennis, squash, etc.) a stroke made from the side of the body opposite to that of the hand holding the racket, paddle, etc.
3. handwriting that slopes toward the left.

adjective

1. backhanded.
2. (in tennis, squash, etc.) of, relating to, or noting a stroke made from the side of the body opposite to that of the hand holding the racket, paddle, etc. Compare forehand ( def 1 ).

adverb

1. with the back of the hand:

   He hit him backhand across the face.

2. from across the body; backhanded:

   She returned the ball backhand on the first serve.

verb (used with object)

1. to strike with the back of the hand.
2. to hit, produce, or accomplish with a backhand.
3. to catch (a ball or the like) backhanded.

backhand

/ ˈbækˌhænd /

noun

1. sport
   1. a stroke made across the body with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke
   2. ( as modifier )

      a backhand return

2. the side on which backhand strokes are made
3. handwriting slanting to the left

adverb

1. with a backhand stroke

verb

1. sport to play (a shot) backhand

Word History and Origins

Origin of backhand¹

First recorded in 1650–60; back ² + hand

Example Sentences

Federer - known for his effortless movement, his elegant one-handed backhand and calm aura - could not do the same to Nadal at his favoured Slam.

From BBC

It’s an inescapable backhanded label, causing a bitter division between the haves and the have-nots or in this case, the tall and short.

From Salon

His backhand is like a precision laser carving up the baseline.

From Los Angeles Times

This was the Graig Nettles defensive clinic series, as the Yankees third baseman saved several runs with outstanding backhanded grabs and long throws to retire runners.

From Los Angeles Times

A sharp backhand on a second serve helped him save the first before he dragged a return wide to gift Sinner the set.

From BBC