left-handed

[ left-han-did ]

adjective

1. having the left hand more dominant or effective than the right; preferably using the left hand:

   a left-handed pitcher.

2. adapted to or performed by the left hand:

   a left-handed tool; a left-handed tennis serve.

3. situated on the side of the left hand.
4. Machinery.
   1. rotating counterclockwise.
   2. noting a helical or spiral member, as a gear tooth or screw thread, that twists counterclockwise as it recedes from an observer.
5. Building Trades. left-hand ( def 3 ).
6. ambiguous or doubtful and often unfavorable or derogatory by implication:

   a left-handed compliment.

7. clumsy or awkward.
8. of, relating to, or issuing from a morganatic marriage: so called from the custom, in morganatic marriage ceremonies, of having the bridegroom give his left hand to the bride.

adverb

1. with the left leave left hand:

   He writes left-handed.

2. toward the left leave left hand; in a counterclockwise direction:

   The strands of the rope are laid left-handed.

left-handed

adjective

1. using the left hand with greater ease than the right
2. performed with the left hand
3. designed or adapted for use by the left hand
4. worn on the left hand
5. awkward or clumsy
6. ironically ambiguous

   a left-handed compliment

7. turning from right to left; anticlockwise
8. law another term for morganatic

adverb

1. with the left hand

Derived Forms

• ˌleft-ˈhandedness, noun
• ˌleft-ˈhandedly, adverb

Other Words From

• left-handed·ly adverb
• left-handed·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of left-handed¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; left ¹, handed

Example Sentences

Nadal, with his blistering left-handed forehand and fiery celebratory roars, ended his Swiss opponent's five-year winning streak at Wimbledon in the 2008 final - regarded by many as the greatest match of all time.

From BBC

The left-handed Lewis bludgeoned seven sixes in his 31-ball knock, taking a particular fancy to all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who conceded 30 from his one over.

From BBC

Days after the death of Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela, a petition is calling for a statue of the Mexican left-handed pitcher to be erected at Dodger Stadium.

From Los Angeles Times

The left-handed pitcher who sparked “Fernandomania” and helped the Dodgers defeat the New York Yankees in the 1981 World Series died Oct.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers could use a left-handed starter and will have competition from the Braves, San Diego Padres and Orioles, among others.

From Los Angeles Times