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.

“This structure ensures parents stay in the driver’s seat during the learning years, while giving kids real, hands-on experience that prepares them for financial independence,” Jennifer Seitz, Greenlight’s director of education, told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

Proton’s customer support prioritizes self-service, which may not satisfy users who want immediate, hands-on assistance from actual humans.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

For these young students, early childhood experts say children should focus more on hands-on learning for development.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Most hands-on elements of her degree, including art studio work, were ultimately lost to the lockdowns of Covid.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

They also attended a weekly two-hour laboratory session for hands-on training in one of the wind tunnels, shouldering an average of four hours of homework on top of a six-day workweek.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly