right-hand

1 of 2

adjective

1
: situated on the right
2
3
: chiefly relied on
his right-hand man

right hand

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: the hand on a person's right side
b
: an indispensable person
2
a
: the right side
b
: a place of honor

Examples of right-hand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
In the final episodes, Henry VIII (Damian Lewis), pissed (per usual) that things are not going his way, orders the execution of his right-hand man, Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance). Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 My item of choice is a glass amethyst right-hand ring that my great-grandfather acquired on a trip to Asia and brought back to my grandmother. Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
Noun
After a medley of his hits, sung by John Legend, will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, among others, Stone came onstage in a white mohawk, sunglasses and a metallic duster, with a cast on his right hand. Rob Tannenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 Already, many witnesses have mentioned Khorram — who has been described as Combs’ right hand. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for right-hand

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of right-hand was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Right-hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/right-hand. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

right-hand

adjective
ˈrīt-ˌhand
1
: located on the right
2
3
: relied on most of all
right-hand man

Medical Definition

right-hand

1 of 2 adjective
1
: situated on the right
2

right hand

2 of 2 noun
1
: the hand on a person's right side
2
: the right side

More from Merriam-Webster on right-hand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!