What does doublehanded mean?
Double-handed is an adjective describing something done, held, or operated with both hands, or — in sporting and maritime contexts — accomplished by two people working as a pair. A tennis player may use a double-handed backhand for extra control and power, while sailors compete in double-handed classes where a crew of only two must handle every task on board, from navigation to sail changes. The word is usually written with a hyphen and appears most frequently in technical, sporting, or nautical writing. It carries a neutral tone and contrasts naturally with single-handed, which emphasizes doing something alone. Its usefulness lies in its precision: whether describing a physical technique requiring both hands or a collaborative effort shared between two people, double-handed conveys at a glance exactly how many hands — or how many people — are involved.
Using, requiring, or operated with both hands.
"He gripped the axe in a double-handed swing."
Frequently hyphenated as 'double-handed'.
Performed by or involving two people, especially in sailing or sport.
"The double-handed crew sailed through the night without rest."
In yacht racing, 'double-handed' doesn't mean using both hands — it means an entire ocean crossing managed by a crew of just two.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of doublehanded
Double-handed is a straightforward English compound formed from the adjective 'double' plus 'handed', following the pattern of older formations such as single-handed. The element 'double' derives from the Latin 'duplus' (twofold), which also gave English related words such as 'duplicate' and 'duplex'. The compound arose to describe actions needing two hands, later extending to activities undertaken by two people together, a sense now firmly established in sailing and racquet sports.
How doublehanded is actually used
Often written with a hyphen ('double-handed'), especially in British and sporting contexts. In tennis and other racquet sports it commonly refers to a two-handed grip; in sailing it denotes a two-person crew. The word is neutral in register but appears most often in technical or sporting writing rather than everyday conversation.
Easily confused with doublehanded
Single-handed means done alone or with one hand, while double-handed means done with both hands or by two people together.