hand-to-hand

1 of 2

adjective

ˈhan(d)-tə-ˈhand 

ˈhan-də-

: involving physical contact or close enough range for physical contact

hand-to-hand fighting

hand to hand

2 of 2

adverb

: at very close range

Examples of hand-to-hand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In a 2022 clash with the Indian military over a portion of northeastern India that China claims, Chinese and Indian forces appeared to engage in hand-to-hand combat and use stones and makeshift clubs as weapons. —Anika Arora Seth, Washington Post, 22 June 2024

The hand-to-hand combat between rioters and police was among the most violent moments of the day. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 17 June 2024

Adverb

On the edges of the encampment, dozens of people were fighting hand to hand, some wrestling over barricades while others grappled to the ground, the Los Angeles Times reported. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 1 May 2024

Drones carrying the Hezbollah and Lebanese flags fluttered above as the paramilitaries drilled below, firing explosives at targets, fighting hand to hand and simulating cross-border attacks on mock Israeli outposts. —Sarah Dadouch, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1833, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hand-to-hand

adjective

ˌhan-tə-ˈhand

: involving physical contact

hand-to-hand combat