right hand

¹

noun

1. the hand that is on the right side, or the side opposite that where the heart is.
2. the right side, as of a person, especially this side considered as the side of precedence or courtesy.
3. a position of honor or special trust.
4. an extremely efficient or reliable person or, sometimes, tool, especially a person considered as one's assistant.

right-hand

²

[ rahyt-hand ]

adjective

1. on the right.
2. of, for, or with the right hand.
3. most reliable, valuable, or useful, as a helper or assistant.
4. plain-laid.
5. Also Building Trades.
   1. (of a door) having the hinges on the right when seen from the exterior of the building, room, closet, etc., to which the doorway leads.
   2. (of a casement sash) having the hinges on the right when seen from inside the window.

right-hand

adjective

1. of, relating to, located on, or moving towards the right

   this car has right-hand drive

   a right-hand bend

2. for use by the right hand; right-handed
3. right-hand man
   one's most valuable assistant or supporter

Word History and Origins

Origin of right hand¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English

Origin of right hand²

adj. use of right hand

Example Sentences

Here is a guide for how to go to the polls, make sure your ballot gets in the right hands and survive this historic day.

From Los Angeles Times

Ohtani held his belongings in his right hand and nothing in his left.

From Los Angeles Times

For others, it can rise to a form of art in the right hands.

From Los Angeles Times

Wardley, 29, landed a heavy, looping right hand to hurt the challenger and floored him with another ferocious right.

From BBC

Whether on the payroll or not, Lewandowski has been at Trump's right hand for years, despite being videoed physically assaulting a female reporter, which Trump praised him for.

From Salon

Related Words

• crucial
• fundamental
• imperative
• important
• indispensable
• main
• necessary
• needed
• vital