hands-on

[handz-on, -awn]

adjective

1. characterized by or involved in active personal participation in an activity; individual and direct.

   a workshop to give children hands-on experience with computers.

2. requiring manual operation, control, adjustment, or the like; not automatic or computerized.

   the old hands-on telephone switchboards.

hands-on

adjective

1. involving practical experience of equipment, etc

   hands-on training in the use of computers

Word History and Origins

Origin of hands-on¹

First recorded in 1905–10; by analogy with hands-off

Example Sentences

The project, which includes eight weeks of curriculum, allows children to learn skills interactively through a combination of collaborative digital games, read-alouds and hands-on activities.

From Los Angeles Times

Evincing a rugged, hands-on attitude marked by curiosity and enthusiasm about the work, Redford embodied a philosophy for Sundance that was clear from its earliest days.

From Los Angeles Times

She is unique and ever-present, attending all three of her clubs' matches regularly and playing a hands-on role in day-to-day operations.

From BBC

In the past, CDC teams have also had a major hands-on role in global health protection.

From BBC

"It gives you a hands-on experience in what sort of things you're going to do in a real-world scenario, rather than just learning from a book," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• firsthand