backhand

1 of 4

noun

back·​hand ˈbak-ˌhand How to pronounce backhand (audio)
Synonyms of backhandnext
1
a
: a stroke (as in tennis) made with the back of the hand turned in the direction of movement
also : the side on which such strokes are made
b
: a catch (as in baseball) made to the side of the body opposite the hand being used
2
: handwriting whose strokes slant downward from left to right

Illustration of backhand

Illustration of backhand
  • backhand 1a

backhand

2 of 4

adjective

: made with a backhand
a backhand tennis stroke

backhand

3 of 4

adverb

back·​hand ˈbak-ˌhand How to pronounce backhand (audio)
variants or backhanded
ˈbak-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce backhand (audio)
: with a backhand

backhand

4 of 4

verb

backhanded; backhanding; backhands

transitive verb

: to do, hit, or catch backhand

Examples of backhand in a Sentence

Noun She has a good backhand but a weak forehand.
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.
Noun
Alexander recalled how his mom taught him her signature backhand in a more relaxed manner, while his dad was more intense. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026 The break came after Zverev had a bit of luck when a backhand return hit the net but dribbled over on game point for Cobolli. — Andrew Dampf, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026
Adjective
But Hovde finished strong, concluding with a beautiful backhand winner to take the first set in 31 minutes. — Peter Warren, Dallas News, 9 July 2022 After Williams struck a swinging backhand volley winner to take a 4-0 lead in the second set, her play improving with every passing moment, the reaction was earsplitting. — Howard Fendrich, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2022
Adverb
When one last backhand by Nadal found the net, Tiafoe put his hands on his head. — Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2022 But daughter Christy Childers says her mom still rules at table tennis with a killer backhand. — Sarah Matusek, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Oct. 2022
Verb
Hughes had the puck in the left corner and backhanded a pass to a wide-open Hartman at the edge of the crease. — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 4 May 2026 With the tying run on third base, Susac cleanly backhanded a spiked splitter from Winn that had wild pitch written all over it. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for backhand

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1695, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1767, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backhand was in 1657

Rhymes for backhand

See All Rhymes for backhand

Browse Nearby Words

background radiation
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Cite this Entry

“Backhand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backhand. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

backhand

1 of 4 noun
back·​hand -ˌhand How to pronounce backhand (audio)
1
a
: a stroke (as in tennis) made with the back of the hand turned in the direction of movement
b
: a catch made with the arm across the body and the palm turned away from the body
2
: handwriting in which the letters slant to the left

backhand

2 of 4 adjective
: using or made with a backhand

backhand

3 of 4 verb
: to do, hit, or catch with a backhand

backhand

4 of 4 adverb
variants or backhanded
ˈbak-ˈhan-dəd
: with a backhand
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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