hand
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