hand

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/hænd/
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A body part whose ability to hold, point, work, and pass things has inspired many everyday uses.
Practice using hand in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • We put the project in her hands.
  • The decision is in your hands.
  • The second hand stopped.
  • My hands are cold.
  • Can you hand that towel to me?

Similar words

set of cards
applause
palm
laborer
give
assistance
help
worker
pointer
care

Meanings

End of the arm

noun
body
neutral
The part of a human arm with a palm and fingers, used to hold or touch things.

Examples

  • Wash your hands before eating.
  • She held my hand.
  • He raised his right hand.
  • The baby put a toy in my hand.
  • My hands are cold.

Similar words

palm

Practical help

noun
help
neutral
Assistance with a task, especially something physical.

Examples

  • Can you give me a hand?
  • I need a hand with these boxes.
  • She lent us a hand in the kitchen.
  • He offered a hand with the chairs.
  • Thanks for giving me a hand today.

Similar words

help
assistance

Clock pointer

noun
time
neutral
A long, thin part of a clock or watch that points to a number.

Examples

  • The minute hand points to six.
  • Watch the hour hand move.
  • The clock has two hands.
  • The second hand stopped.
  • The long hand is broken.

Similar words

pointer

Cards held by a player

noun
games
neutral
The cards a player has at one time in a card game.

Examples

  • She had a good hand.
  • Show me your hand of cards.
  • He won with a strong hand.
  • I drew a card for my hand.
  • This hand has no hearts.

Similar words

set of cards

Worker

noun
work
informal
A person who does physical work, especially on a farm or ship.

Examples

  • The farm hired a new hand.
  • Two hands helped load the boat.
  • She worked as a ranch hand.
  • Every hand was needed at harvest.
  • The captain called all hands on deck.

Similar words

worker
laborer

Applause

noun
applause
informal
A round of clapping to show approval.

Examples

  • Give the singer a hand.
  • The audience gave her a big hand.
  • Let us give our guests a hand.
  • He got a warm hand after the song.
  • The children gave the actors a hand.

Similar words

applause
clapping

Control or responsibility

noun
control
neutral
Power or responsibility for something, often in the plural.

Examples

  • The decision is in your hands.
  • The shop is in good hands.
  • We put the project in her hands.
  • The keys fell into the wrong hands.
  • His future is in his own hands.

Similar words

control
care

Pass to someone

verb
transfer
neutral
To give or pass an object directly to another person.

Examples

  • Please hand me the book.
  • She handed him a cup.
  • He handed the keys to his mother.
  • Can you hand that towel to me?
  • The teacher handed us the papers.

Similar words

pass
give

Etymology

From Old English hand or hond; the deeper Germanic origin is uncertain. Other uses grew from what hands do or hold.

FAQ

What is a hand?

The body part at the end of an arm with a palm and fingers.

What does “give me a hand” mean?

Help me with a task.

What is a clock hand?

A pointer that shows time.

What does “in your hands” mean?

Under your control or responsibility.

What does the verb hand mean?

Pass or give something directly to someone.

Comments & contributions

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