overhand
overhand Lexical Profile
overhand Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Executed with the hand or arm raised above the shoulder, or with the palm facing downward or inward.
"The tennis player practiced her overhand serve for two hours."
Designating a simple knot tied by forming a loop and passing the working end of the cord through it, or a sewing stitch passing repeatedly over the raw edges of joined fabric.
"He tied a quick overhand knot at the end of the rope to prevent it from fraying."
• adverb
With the hand or arm brought down from above the level of the shoulder, or with the palm turned downward.
"The catcher threw the ball overhand to second base to stop the runner."
• noun
A throw, stroke, pitch, or blow delivered with the hand or arm moving above the level of the shoulder.
"She switched from a backstroke to a fast overhand during the final lap of the race."
Superiority, advantage, or mastery over someone or something.
"Through careful negotiation, the diplomatic team gained the overhand in the trade talks."
• verb
To sew (two edges of fabric) together with small stitches passing successively over the join.
"The tailor carefully overhanded the seams of the linen lining so they would lie flat."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English as a compound of 'over' and 'hand', originally referring to superiority or upper control before developing its physical and athletic senses in the 16th and 19th centuries.