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.

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

From BBC • May 22, 2026

There are other galleries with hands-on exhibits and racing simulators, as well as a gallery dedicated to current track owner Roger Penske.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 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

Full of fun, William was a hands-on father.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield