two-handed

adjective

two-hand·​ed ˈtü-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce two-handed (audio)
1
: used with both hands
a two-handed sword
2
: requiring two persons
a two-handed saw
3
a
: having two hands
b
: efficient with either hand
a two-handed fighter
4
archaic : stout, strong

Examples of two-handed 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.
Federer revealed that one of his 12-year-old twin sons is attempting to switch from a two-handed backhand to one hand. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Google says the feature can recognize one-handed and two-handed signing along with facial expressions for grammar and tone. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026 The bottom is slightly rounded, which makes for an extremely comfortable two-handed shake. — Justine Sterling, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026 Later, Pickett tossed a rainbow down the field to running back Jonathon Brooks, who made an excellent two-handed catch with Thornton trailing him. — Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for two-handed

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of two-handed was in the 15th century

Rhymes for two-handed

See All Rhymes for two-handed

Browse Nearby Words

two-gun
two-handed
two-hander
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Two-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/two-handed. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

two-handed

adjective
two-hand·​ed
ˈtü-ˈhan-dəd
1
: used with both hands
a two-handed sword
2
: requiring two persons
a two-handed saw
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!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of dissonant

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All