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.

Arteta is very hands-on and knows when to make an impact on his players with a strong telling-off and when he should coach.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

"What we need is a leader that is hands-on, that has a lot of energy, that knows the system, that can be the first to arrive to prevent a conflict," she said.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Scott-Wright and Clegg also work as self-described "maternity nurses" - a role involving hands-on work with infants that is also unregulated.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

The V&A opened an eastern beachhead in 2025 with V&A East Storehouse, a dense, hands-on jumble of imperial treasure and modern design that opens the institution’s collections to visitors.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

Similar to many of the other methods, the Orff Schulwerk emphasizes that children should experience first and then analyze or intellectualize about music afterwards, and encourages hands-on music-making regardless of skill level.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin