handheld

adjective

hand·​held ˈhan(d)-ˌheld How to pronounce handheld (audio)
-ˈheld
: held in the hand
especially : designed to be operated while being held in the hand
handheld computers
handheld noun

Examples of handheld in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The suites feature giant showers with both rain and handheld shower heads, which are perfect for couples, plus a soaking tub with views of the city. Midwest Living, 15 June 2026 Best Handheld For full, unfettered access to each mess, many of our editors prefer a handheld device to get into every nook and cranny. Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026 Fresh competition in handheld gaming. Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 9 June 2026 Sure, a remake for the Nintendo 3DS was released all the way back in 2011, but that was 15 years ago and was also relegated to a handheld device. Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for handheld

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handheld was in 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Handheld.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handheld. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

handheld

adjective
hand·​held -ˌheld How to pronounce handheld (audio)
: held in the hand
especially : designed to be used while being held in the hand
a handheld computer
handheld noun

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