hands-on

[handz-on, -awn] / ˈhændzˈɒn, -ˈɔn /

ADJECTIVE

active participation; experiential

Synonyms

STRONGEST

firsthand

STRONG

manual primary

WEAK

direct experienced explicit immediate individual intimate

Antonyms

STRONGEST

automatic computerized impersonal indirect

WEAK

second-hand

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

hands-on

It promised hands-on experience with the cutting-edge technology.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026

CAT attracted ffin because it "struck me as a place where you could do very hands-on biology and work on off-grid systems, and also have an education component and a visitor centre".

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

Student Zhang Xuefen said a lot of her friends have been "incredibly hands-on since they were kids", proving it was not "just a guy thing".

From Barron's ● Jul. 8, 2026

Grassroots coalitions have pushed for limits in California and nationwide as parents have become alarmed over how digital activities are replacing hands-on learning and peer interaction.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 23, 2026

A hands-on experience is best, especially if the student is deaf.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin