backhand

[ bak-hand ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a stroke, slap, etc., made with the palm of the hand turned toward the body and the back of the hand turned in the direction of the stroke, slap, etc.
(in tennis, squash, etc.) a stroke made from the side of the body opposite to that of the hand holding the racket, paddle, etc.
handwriting that slopes toward the left.

backhanded.
(in tennis, squash, etc.) of, relating to, or noting a stroke made from the side of the body opposite to that of the hand holding the racket, paddle, etc. Compare forehand ( def 1 ).

with the back of the hand:
He hit him backhand across the face.
from across the body; backhanded:
She returned the ball backhand on the first serve.

backhand

/ ˈbækˌhænd /

sport
1. a stroke made across the body with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke
2. ( as modifier )
  a backhand return
the side on which backhand strokes are made
handwriting slanting to the left

First recorded in 1650–60; back ² + hand

There are three full-time tennis aces on site who are more than happy to improve your backhand or perfect that serve.

From the moment he caught sight of her, he did not turn or take his eyes and face from her, defending himself with backhand blows.

I would suggest that we go through the forehand and backhand strokes to make certain that we are right.

One of the detectives took the woman by the arm; she jerked it loose and aimed a backhand slap at him.

In forehand play the bowl as it courses to the jack describes its segment of a circle on the right, in backhand play on the left.

The first blow, aimed backhand at his bare right leg, struck his shield instead.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse