Right-hand

adj

adj ·2 syllables ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Of, relating to, or located on the right. not-comparable

    "The train runs slowly with frequent slacks for bridge and culvert repairs. At one point occurs the changeover from left- to right-hand running."

  2. 2
    Using or designed for use by the right hand. not-comparable

    "a right-hand bowler in the game of cricket"

  3. 3
    In the direction or orientation to the right-hand rule (a right-hand thread). not-comparable
  4. 4
    Alternative form of right hand (“trusted assistant”) alt-of, alternative, not-comparable
Adjective
  1. 1
    most helpful and reliable wordnet
  2. 2
    intended for the right hand wordnet
  3. 3
    located on or directed toward the right wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms
clockwiseconservativedexterdextralessentialoff

Example

More examples

"His right-hand man gave him away and got in his way to the top."

Etymology

From Middle English ryghte-hande, from Old English rihthand (“right-hand”), equivalent to right + hand.

Related phrases

Fleming's right-hand ruleright-hand driveright-hand pathright-hand ruleright-hand womanright-handwise

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.