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 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 That same morning, Samantha wakes up at Ohno’s — caught red-handed with photos of the Shimbashi station plans the night before. Andy Andersen, Vulture, 29 Feb. 2024 The suspects were caught red-handed, according to police. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'red-handed.' 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

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 5 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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