red-handed

adverb or adjective

red-hand·​ed ˈred-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce red-handed (audio)
: in the act of committing a crime or misdeed
caught red-handed

Examples of red-handed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Have you ever been caught red-handed regifting during the holidays? Brittney Melton, NPR, 19 Dec. 2024 Loading your audio article A man allegedly caught red-handed trying to steal tires off a vehicle at a Farmington hotel Tuesday was involved in a crash with a police cruiser during an escape attempt before he was found hiding in the nearby woods. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 5 Nov. 2024 An extra-large and very hairy porch pirate was caught red-handed on Ring doorbell footage last week committing a pumpkin heist. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024 Sue was caught red-handed, red-haired, and red-faced. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Oct. 2024 However, it must be proven that the individual acted intentionally, and evidence must be presented, such as being caught red-handed — an almost impossible task given the vastness of the desert. Discover Magazine, 8 Oct. 2024 The normal defendant who is caught red-handed negotiates a plea, admits guilt, and asks for mercy from the court. The Editors, National Review, 6 Sep. 2024 Listen to this article Two men were arrested after a business owner in Ellington reportedly caught them red-handed stealing cooking oil from his restaurant early Tuesday. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2024 The Descendants franchise returns next month, and in a music video premiering exclusively on Billboard below, the latest Villain Kid is caught red-handed. Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 21 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red-handed was in 1819

Dictionary Entries Near red-handed

Cite this Entry

“Red-handed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red-handed. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

red-handed

adverb or adjective
red-hand·​ed
ˈred-ˈhan-dəd
: in the act of doing something wrong

More from Merriam-Webster on red-handed

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