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.
During my hands-on time with Silver Palace at AnimeNYC and throughout the recent beta, the action-RPG suffered frequent frame drops and occasional crashes. — Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2026 Combine continuous learning with hands-on execution to gain an edge. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 There were creator programming and panels, book clubs, hands-on crafting activities, a pop-up cafe from Brooklyn’s Land to Sea and tons of merch. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026 This dish needs a little extra hands-on time, but the end result is worth it. — Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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