hand

(noun, verb)

noun

1. the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

- he had the hands of a surgeon

Similar word(s): manus, mitt, paw

Definition categories: body, extremity

2. a hired laborer on a farm or ranch

- the hired hand fixed the railing

- a ranch hand

Definition categories: person, jack, laborer, labourer

3. something written by hand

- she recognized his handwriting

- his hand was illegible

Similar word(s): handwriting, script

Definition categories: communication, writing

4. ability

- he wanted to try his hand at singing

Definition categories: thought, ability, power

5. a position given by its location to the side of an object

- objections were voiced on every hand

Definition categories: location, side

6. the cards held in a card game by a given player at any given time

- I didn't hold a good hand all evening

- he kept trying to see my hand

Similar word(s): deal

Definition categories: group, accumulation, aggregation, assemblage, collection

7. one of two sides of an issue

- on the one hand..., but on the other hand...

Definition categories: thought, side

8. a rotating pointer on the face of a timepiece

- the big hand counts the minutes

Definition categories: man–made, pointer

9. a unit of length equal to 4 inches; used in measuring horses

- the horse stood 20 hands

Definition categories: quantity, handbreadth, handsbreadth

10. a member of the crew of a ship

- all hands on deck

Definition categories: person, crewman, sailor

11. a card player in a game of bridge

- we need a 4th hand for bridge

Definition categories: person

12. a round of applause to signify approval

- give the little lady a great big hand

Definition categories: communication, applause, clapping

13. terminal part of the forelimb in certain vertebrates (e.g. apes or kangaroos)

- the kangaroo's forearms seem undeveloped but the powerful five-fingered hands are skilled at feinting and clouting

Definition categories: animal, forepaw

14. physical assistance

- give me a hand with the chores

Definition categories: act, aid, assist, assistance, help

Sentences with hand as a noun:

- Her hands are really strong.

- an old hand at speaking;  large farms need many farm hands

- Bob gave Alice a hand to move the furniture.

- a good hand

- Given under my Hand and Seal of the State this 1st Day of January, 2010.

- in safe hands;  in good hands;  He lost his job when the factory changed hands.  With the business back in the founder's hands, there is new hope for the company.  With John in charge of the project, it's in good hands.

- Give him a hand.

- This fabric has a smooth, soft hand.

- to buy at first hand (from the producer, or when new);  to buy at second hand (when no longer in the producer’s hand, or when not new);  It's not a rumor. I heard it at first hand.

verb

1. place into the hands or custody of

- hand me the spoon, please

Similar word(s): give, pass, reach

Definition categories: possession, transfer

2. guide or conduct or usher somewhere

- hand the elderly lady into the taxi

Definition categories: motion, conduct, direct, guide, lead, take

Sentences with hand as a verb:

- He handed them the letter.

- to hand a lady into a carriage