handcuff Syllabification: (hand·cuff)Pronunciation: /ˈhan(d)ˌkəf/Translate handcuff | into German | into Spanish Definition of handcuff noun (handcuffs) a pair of lockable linked metal rings for securing a prisoner’s wrists. verb [with object] put handcuffs on (someone):he was led into court handcuffed to a policeman figurativehe will not allow his training to handcuff his creativityhandcuff in other Oxford dictionaries Definition of handcuff in the British & World English dictionary