handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

1

a

: conveniently near

keeps his dictionary handy

b

: convenient for use

a handy little tool

The extra batteries came in handy during the blackout.

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 of handy

• convenient
• accessible

Examples of handy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For wider trees, consider adding an extra 100 to 200 lights per additional foot of width and always keep an extra string of lights handy to fill in any dark spots. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

Regularly $600, this handy mop and vac combo is discounted to just $251 right now at Amazon. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2025

It’s designed with function in mind, with several interior pockets as well as one handy back slip pocket for easy access. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Dec. 2025

Between Rueben Chinyelu, Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh, the Gators have a ton of depth and forward/center, and that will come in handy against Boozer, who is averaging nearly 23 points and 10 boards per game. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing handy

• came in handy
• come in handy
• handy dandy
• handy for

Rhymes for handy

• bandy
• brandy
• candy
• dandy
• grandee
• randy
• shandy

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