Hands — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun adverb adjective phrase /ˈhand/ (noun) /ˈhan(d)z-ˈdau̇n/ (adverb) /ˈhan(d)z-ˈȯf/ (adjective) /ˈhan(d)z-ˈȯn/ (adjective)

Meaning & Definition of Hands

Hands (verb)

  1. to give, pass, or transmit with the hand
  2. to present or provide with
  3. to lead, guide, or assist with the hand

Hands (noun)

  1. the terminal part of the vertebrate forelimb when modified (as in humans) as a grasping organ, the body part at the end of the arm of a human, ape, or monkey
  2. the forelimb segment (such as the terminal section of a bird's wing) of a vertebrate higher than the fishes that corresponds to the hand irrespective of its form or functional specialization
  3. something resembling a hand

Hands (adverb)

  1. without much effort, easily
  2. without question

Hands (adjective)

  1. characterized by noninterference
  2. relating to, being, or providing direct practical experience in the operation or functioning of something; also, involving or allowing use of or touching with the hands
  3. characterized by active personal involvement
  4. designed to be used without being held in the hands
  5. of, relating to, or being a situation in which every available person is needed or called to assist

Hands (phrase)

  1. —used to say that someone is unable to act freely because something (such as a rule or law) prevents it
  2. by or through the action of
  3. to pass from the possession of one owner to that of another

Hands (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the ability to direct the course of something

    "the final decision is in your hands"

    similar: control, grasp
  2. the fact or state of having (something) at one's disposal

    "I'd like to get my hands on that vintage Cadillac convertible"

    opposite: nonpossession

Hands (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to put (something) into the possession of someone for use or consumption

    "was happy to hand her grandmother's cookie recipes to the parish ladies to put in their cookbook"

  2. to shift possession of (something) from one person to another

    "the clerk handed her the receipt"

  3. to put (something) into the possession or safekeeping of another

    "handed me her bundles while she fished for her house keys"

    opposite: holds, keeps, retains

Related Entry: Hand (noun)

Hand is a different word from Hands. The synonyms below are for hand, not for hands.

  1. a certain way in which something appears or may be regarded

    "on the one hand, you would have more storage space in a larger house, but on the other, you would have more rooms to heat"

    similar: angle, aspect, facet, phase, side
  2. a place, space, or direction away from or beyond a central point or line

    "tall buildings rose on either hand"

    "nothing but wide open space on either hand"

    similar: flank, side
  3. an arrow-shaped piece on a dial or scale for registering information

    "both hands of the clock pointed to 12"

    related: dial, face, gauge
  4. one who works for another for wages or a salary

    "the restaurant always hires several more hands for the busy summer season"

    opposite: employer, gaffer (British)
  5. the form or style of a particular person's writing

    "writes with a flowing, old-fashioned hand"

  6. the ability to direct the course of something

    "the final decision is in your hands"

    similar: control, grasp
  7. the fact or state of having (something) at one's disposal

    "I'd like to get my hands on that vintage Cadillac convertible"

    opposite: nonpossession
  8. an act or instance of helping

    "the downstairs tenant gave us a hand getting the heavy dresser up the stairs"

    opposite: hindrance
  9. a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field

    "once she got her own place, the young woman showed that she was quite a hand at interior decoration"

  10. a person's name written in their own handwriting often given to indicate awareness or consent

    "the subpoena required a lawyer's hand"

Related Entry: Hand (verb)

Hand is a different word from Hands. The synonyms below are for hand, not for hands.

  1. to put (something) into the possession of someone for use or consumption

    "was happy to hand her grandmother's cookie recipes to the parish ladies to put in their cookbook"

  2. to shift possession of (something) from one person to another

    "the clerk handed her the receipt"

  3. to put (something) into the possession or safekeeping of another

    "handed me her bundles while she fished for her house keys"

    opposite: hold, keep, retain

Related Entry: Hands-down (adjective)

Hands-down is a different word from Hands. The synonyms below are for hands-down, not for hands.

  1. involving minimal difficulty or effort

    "after all that worrying, the game for the championship turned out to be a hands-down win"

Related Entry: Hands down (adverb)

Hands down is a different word from Hands. The synonyms below are for hands down, not for hands.

  1. without any question

    "she is hands down the most gifted musician in the class"

  2. without difficulty

    "she'll win the dancing competition hands down"

Related Entry: Hands-on (adjective)

Hands-on is a different word from Hands. The synonyms below are for hands-on, not for hands.

  1. actively and personally involved in something

    "Supervisors at the company are expected to take a hands-on role in the projects of their subordinates."

    opposite: indirect, secondhand

Related Entry: Hands down (verb)

Hands down is a different word from Hands. The synonyms below are for hands down, not for hands.

  1. as in wills, leaves

    opposite: expropriates
  2. as in informs, advises

Related Entry: Hands in (verb)

Hands in is a different word from Hands. The synonyms below are for hands in, not for hands.

  1. as in releases, turns in

Related Entry: Hands on (verb)

Hands on is a different word from Hands. The synonyms below are for hands on, not for hands.

  1. as in hands down, passes (down)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Hands

The most common words with a similar meaning to Hands:

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Hands

Words with the opposite meaning of Hands:

Near Antonyms of Hands

Word Forms of Hands

Inflections: handed, handing

Derived words: hands-down (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Hands

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German hant hand

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Hands

Frequently Asked Questions about Hands

What does "Hands" mean?

"Hands" means to give, pass, or transmit with the hand. As an a verb, a noun, an adverb, an adjective and a phrase, it is defined as: to give, pass, or transmit with the hand. It has 5 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Hands"?

Other words for "Hands" include control, grasp, enjoyment, keeping, possession, delivers, feeds and furnishes. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Hands" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Hands"?

There are 111 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Hands". Common alternatives include control, grasp, enjoyment, keeping, possession, delivers, feeds, furnishes, gives and hands over.

What is the opposite of "Hands"?

Antonyms of "Hands" include nonpossession, holds (back), keeps (back), reserves, retains, withholds, holds and keeps. Near antonyms include helplessness, weakness, impotence and impotency.

How do you use "Hands" in a sentence?

Examples of "Hands" in a sentence: "the final decision is in your hands"; "I'd like to get my hands on that vintage Cadillac convertible"; "was happy to hand her grandmother's cookie recipes to the parish ladies to put in their cookbook".

Is "Hands" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Hands" can be used as a verb, a noun, an adverb, an adjective and a phrase, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Hands"?

"Hands" is pronounced /ˈhand/ as a noun, /ˈhan(d)z-ˈdau̇n/ as an adverb, /ˈhan(d)z-ˈȯf/ as an adjective and /ˈhan(d)z-ˈȯn/ as an adjective.

What is the origin of the word "Hands"?

"Hands" comes from Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German hant hand. First known use: 15th century.