Hand
/hænd/
Definitions
4 meaningsThe part of the body at the end of the arm, used for grasping and manipulating objects.
/hænd/
The end part of a person's arm beyond the wrist, including the fingers and thumb.
He washed his hands before dinner.
💡 Simply: Your hand is what you use to hold things, like a pencil or a yummy snack! You have one on each arm, and they help you do a lot of things.
👶 For kids: The part of your arm that you use to hold things. It has fingers and a thumb!
More Examples
She held his hand tightly.
The artist used their hand to create beautiful paintings.
How It's Used
"The doctor examined the patient's hand for any signs of injury."
"She held the baby's hand as they crossed the street."
A unit of measurement, equivalent to four inches, primarily used for measuring the height of horses.
/hænd/
A unit of measurement (equal to 4 inches), used to measure the height of horses.
The racehorse was 17 hands high.
💡 Simply: When we talk about how tall a horse is, we use a special way to measure it. We use a "hand," which is like a shortcut for measuring.
👶 For kids: A special way to measure how tall a horse is, like using a special ruler!
More Examples
The pony was only 12 hands tall.
How It's Used
"The horse was measured at 16 hands high."
To give or pass something to someone with your hand.
/hænd/
To give something to someone.
Please hand me the salt.
💡 Simply: To 'hand' something to someone is like giving it to them. You reach out and put it in their hands!
👶 For kids: To give something to someone. Like, "Can you hand me that toy?"
More Examples
The teacher asked us to hand in our homework.
He handed her a gift.
How It's Used
"The waiter handed the customer their bill."
"Please hand in your assignments by Friday."
To guide or help someone or something.
/hænd/
To guide or help someone.
She carefully handed her son through the busy street.
💡 Simply: When you 'hand' someone, you're helping or leading them along a path
👶 For kids: To help someone. Like, "Can you hand me through this puzzle?"
More Examples
The experienced hiker handed the beginners through the difficult terrain.
How It's Used
"She carefully handed her son through the busy street."
Idioms & expressions
at hand
Nearby or available.
"The emergency kit was at hand in case of an earthquake."
hand in hand
Holding each other's hand, or closely connected.
"The couple walked hand in hand down the beach."
on hand
Available to help or assist.
"We had a doctor on hand during the event."
to lend a hand
To help someone.
"Could you lend me a hand with this heavy box?"
to have a hand in something
To be involved or have influence in something.
"The CEO had a hand in the company's success."
to give someone a hand
To applaud or congratulate someone.
"Let's give the speaker a hand!"
to wash one's hands of something
To refuse to be involved in something anymore, or to take responsibility for something.
"The company washed its hands of the scandal."
to play into someone's hand
To do something that gives an advantage to someone else; to help someone who is trying to cause you harm or problems.
"Refusing to negotiate would just play into their hands."
From Old English *hand*, *hond*, from Proto-Germanic *handuz*. Related to Dutch *hand*, German *Hand*.
The word 'hand' has been used in various forms and meanings since Old English, initially referring primarily to the physical appendage.