single-handed

1 of 2

adjective

sin·​gle-hand·​ed ˌsiŋ-gəl-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce single-handed (audio)
Synonyms of single-handednext
1
: managed or done by one person or with one on a side
2
: working alone or unassisted by others
single-handedly adverb

single-handed

2 of 2

adverb

: in a single-handed manner

Synonyms of single-handed

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Adverb

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Examples of single-handed in a Sentence

Adverb she was adamant that if she was expected to do the project single-handed, she should not have to share the credit afterward
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
This wheel effectively does away with complicated fit tweaks, allowing for single-handed precision tightening and loosening – even while wearing gloves. — New Atlas, 25 Dec. 2025 Trump’s single-handed approach to tax-and-trade policy has landed him before the Supreme Court, which is expected to rule by summer on a major test case of presidential power. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026 There are two players in the top 100 with a single-handed backhand, and one of those, Tatjana Maria, almost always plays a slice rather than hitting the kind of drive that tennis purists tend to imagine. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025 Many public speakers requested the council members rely on current programs and penalize irresponsible landlords rather than a single-handed approach targeting everyone. — Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for single-handed

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1719, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of single-handed was in 1585

Rhymes for single-handed

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Browse Nearby Words

single-gear
single-handed
single-handedly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Single-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/single-handed. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

single-handed

adjective
sin·​gle-hand·​ed
ˌsiŋ-gəl-ˈhan-dəd
1
: managed or done by one person
2
: working alone : lacking help
single-handedly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on single-handed

Nglish: Translation of single-handed for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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