backhander

noun

back·​hand·​er ˈbak-ˈhan-dər How to pronounce backhander (audio)
1
British : bribe
2
: a backhand shot

Examples of backhander in a Sentence

She hit a backhander into the net. the customs official let us know that he might be prepared to look the other way if an appropriate backhander was slipped into his palm
Recent Examples on the Web The 37-year-old Hossa slid a power-play backhander through the legs of Philadelphia goaltender Michal Neuvirth at 5:04 of the second period, giving the Blackhawks a 4-0 lead. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024 Instead, midway through the power play, Brown stole the puck at the blue line and beat Bobrovsky with a patient backhander. Bailey Johnson, Washington Post, 19 June 2024 Rangers led in shots on goal 12-8 but Cats had the best one when Bennett’s close-range backhander caromed off the pipe. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 31 May 2024 After his goal, a backhander off a rebound in the slot, teammate Zach Bogosian retrieved the puck from the net, but the rookie had shot it with such force, the veteran had to work to get it out. John Shipley, Twin Cities, 15 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for backhander 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backhander.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of backhander was in 1803

Dictionary Entries Near backhander

Cite this Entry

“Backhander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backhander. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on backhander

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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