What does "backhand" mean?
A stroke made across the chest from the off-hand side to the racquet hand side; a stroke during which the back of the hand faces the shot.
Backhand
adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·2 syllables ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A stroke made across the chest from the off-hand side to the racquet hand side; a stroke during which the back of the hand faces the shot.
- Grammar: backhand is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: backhand shot, backhand stroke, abusive, atrocious.
- Useful contrasts: forehand, forehand strike, forehands.
- Usage evidence: In tennis and ping-pong backhand the hand is turned backwards in making the stroke.
How to use "backhand"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "backhand" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "backhand" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "backhand" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "backhand" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "backhand" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "backhand shot" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "backhand", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A stroke made across the chest from the off-hand side to the racquet hand side; a stroke during which the back of the hand faces the shot.
"She has a mean backhand."
- 2 a return made with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke wordnet
- 3 Handwriting that leans to the left.
"It was written in a shaky backhand."
- 4 The standard throw; a throw during which the disc begins on the off-hand side and travels across the chest to be released from the opposite side.
- 5 The back of the hand: the reverse side (dorsal side) of the human hand or other primate hand.
Show 1 more definition
- 6 The hand towards the back of the board.
Verb
- 1 To execute a backhand stroke or throw.
- 2 hit a tennis ball backhand wordnet
- 3 To slap with the back of one's hand.
"While Joe is driving, Bob gets upset and wants to go back to set up. Bob and Joe argue for a few seconds. Then, Bob grabs the wheel and nearly causes us to hit a tree. In response, Joe backhands Bob and tells him to immediately stop or he will get us killed. Bob says that he was just trying to get us back on track and that he was joking."
Adjective
- 1 Slanting to the left.
"In great confusion, Gordon accepted the letter, broke its small crested seal, and began reading the neat back-hand scrawl."
- 2 In the backhand style.
- 3 Using the back side of the hockey stick.
"He scored on a backhand shot."
Adjective
- 1 (of racket strokes) made across the body with back of hand facing direction of stroke wordnet
- 2 (of handwriting) having the letters slanting backward wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"In tennis and ping-pong backhand the hand is turned backwards in making the stroke."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "backhand"?
Common synonyms include: backhand shot, backhand stroke, abusive, atrocious, back-of-hand, backhanded.
How do you use "backhand" in a sentence?
In tennis and ping-pong backhand the hand is turned backwards in making the stroke.
Etymology
From back + hand.