hands-on

adjective

ˈhan(d)z-ˈȯn How to pronounce hands-on (audio)
-ˈän
Synonyms of hands-onnext
1
: relating to, being, or providing direct practical experience in the operation or functioning of something
hands-on training
also : involving or allowing use of or touching with the hands
a hands-on museum display
2
: characterized by active personal involvement
a hands-on manager

Examples of hands-on 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.
Sign up for The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 3 July 2026 Cut & Culture is a hands-on culinary journey with an interactive butchery session guided by expert chefs. — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Ham delights are always the potluck MVPs, and these crowd-pleasing sliders are a breeze to make (only 10 minutes of hands-on time) and will be gone almost as fast. — Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 2 July 2026 The facility is free and offers stroller-accessible pathways, hands-on animal brushing and adjacent nature displays. — Jane Tyska, Mercury News, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hands-on

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of hands-on was in 1905

Rhymes for hands-on

See All Rhymes for hands-on

Browse Nearby Words

handsomeness
hands-on
handspan
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hands-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hands-on. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hands-on

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