handheld

adjective

hand·​held ˈhan(d)-ˌheld 

-ˈheld

: held in the hand

especially : designed to be operated while being held in the hand

handheld computers

handheld

ˈhan(d)-ˌheld 

noun

Examples of handheld in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Combining pizza’s warm, gooey deliciousness with the handheld convenience of an ice cream cone, the local business has grown its fun, quirky brand from food cart to food trucks and, finally, a Meridian brick-and-mortar that opened in 2018. —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 10 Dec. 2025

John Coctostan is another handheld option but this quesadilla is filled with the choice of protein, beans and shredded cheese. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025

The oblique structure enhances the gathering dread, which builds until the remarkable release of the film’s finale, when a freewheeling, handheld camera and a more playful rhythm take over from the tense and somber mood of the earlier sections. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025

First up is this handheld bite that translates Hoppin' John into the perfect appetizer for New Year's Eve. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for handheld

• barrelled
• beheld
• chiselled
• compelled
• dispelled
• excelled
• expelled
• impelled
• marvelled
• misspelled
• modelled
• panelled

Kids Definition

handheld

adjective

hand·​held -ˌheld 

: held in the hand

especially : designed to be used while being held in the hand

a handheld computer

handheld noun