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.

That hands-on experience with sending and receiving money can build a kind of financial fluency.

From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026

The federal government isn’t just funding quantum, but adopting a hands-on approach.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

"He was considered a hands-on and controversial chair," said Kathleen Brooks, research director at trading group XTB.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

"They will get a hands-on experience of how to work in the environment."

From BBC • May 22, 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