handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

1

a

: conveniently near

b

: convenient for use

c

of a ship : easily handled

2

: clever in using the hands especially in a variety of useful ways

handy with a hammer as well as with a paintbrush

handiness noun

Synonyms

• accessible
• convenient
• reachable

Examples of handy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s where a UPF shirt like this one can come in handy. —Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2024

The sturdy metal frame is wrapped in water- and UV-resistant rattan and has a handy canopy for keeping cool in the shade. —Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 7 June 2024

Related After outcry, Apple carves out room for rival parental control apps to exist Apple’s Screen Time gets a handy new feature, but parental controls can be better The story underscores that Apple’s parental control software remains woefully underserviced. —Wes Davis, The Verge, 5 June 2024

This feature uses a handy grid that makes setting allowed and blocked times easy. —PCMAG, 5 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing handy

• come in handy
• handy dandy
• handy for

Kids Definition

handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

1

a

: conveniently near

b

: easily handled or used

a handy sloop

a handy reference book

2

: clever in using the hands : dexterous

handy with a needle

Biographical Definition

Handy

biographical name

Han·​dy ˈhan-dē 

W(illiam) C(hristopher) 1873–1958 American blues musician