overhand

American  

[oh-ver-hand] / ˈoʊ vərˌhænd /

adjective

1. thrown or performed with the hand raised over the shoulder; overarm.

   overhand stroke.

2. with the hand and part or all of the arm raised above the shoulder.

   to pitch overhand.

3. (in sewing and embroidery) with close, shallow stitches over two edges.

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adverb

1. with the hand over the object.

   to grasp one's fork overhand.

noun

1. an overhand stroke, throw, or delivery.

verb (used with object)

1. to sew overhand.

overhand British  

/ ˈəʊvəˌhænd /

adjective

1. thrown or performed with the hand raised above the shoulder

2. sewn with thread passing over two edges in one direction

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adverb

1. with the hand above the shoulder; overarm

2. with shallow stitches passing over two edges

verb

1. to sew (two edges) overhand

Etymology

Origin of overhand

First recorded in 1860–65; over- + hand

Example Sentences

He did land a looping overhand right in the fourth, but it barely registered with Joshua.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

Allen failed to land with his telegraphed overhand rights and Fisher snapped out the jab as the contest struggled to catch fire early on.

From BBC • May 17, 2025

On the field, Erskine was known for his strong overhand curveball and his dependability as a starting pitcher in 12 seasons with the Dodgers, in Brooklyn and Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2024

Some wear their fatigues inside out, identifying them as Marines who are just learning to swim and flailing the length of the pool in a mix of dog paddle and haphazard overhand stroke.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 8, 2023

Joe, the Saints’ first pitcher, promptly winged an overhand bean ball at Harlan Betchel, who staggered clear of the batter’s box, pointing his bat accusingly at Joe.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols