What does overhanded mean?
Overhanded describes an action performed with the hand or arm raised above the shoulder. In sports, it commonly refers to a serve, throw, pitch, or stroke delivered with this motion, as in an overhanded tennis serve or baseball pitch. The word can also carry a figurative, informal meaning: an overhanded action may be forceful, indirect, or evasive, often suggesting that someone is handling a situation in a heavy-handed way. The term is used in both British and American English, although the figurative sense is particularly common in informal American usage. Overhand is closely related and is often used as the general modifier, while overhanded is especially frequent when a particular technique or style is being described.
Performed with the hand or arm above the shoulder, as in a serve, throw, or stroke.
"He learned an overhanded serve that was difficult to return."
Common in descriptions of sports technique and physical actions.
Forceful, indirect, or insincere in manner.
"The decision was handled in an overhanded way that left no room for discussion."
Informal and especially common in American English; often conveys disapproval.
With the hand or arm above the shoulder.
"She threw the discus overhanded during the competition."
The adverb form is less common than the adjective form.
From the tennis court to the bowling alley, an overhanded motion turns the simple action of raising your arm into a precise sporting technique.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does overhanded come from?
The word combines the prefix over-, meaning above or beyond, with hand and the suffix -ed. Its sporting sense reflects the position of the hand above the shoulder. The related forms overhand and overarm developed from the same central idea, while the figurative sense associated with heavy-handed or indirect conduct developed later.
Related word forms
How overhanded is actually used
In its sporting sense, overhanded is common in tennis, baseball, bowling, and similar activities. The figurative sense is more informal and is especially associated with American English.
Easily confused with overhanded
Overhand is the more general term for an action performed with the hand above the shoulder, while overhanded is commonly used as an adjective describing a specific technique, such as an overhanded serve or throw.