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.
These handheld snacks are rich, cheesy, and hold just the right amount of peppery kick. Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025 After giving a peek at her family, Eilish ran with a handheld camcorder linked to the big screen, showing her polo-wearing band and the soundboard masters stationed below the risers. Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025 In 1999, a Silicon Valley technology company called 3Com felt that the stock market was not giving their shares proper respect, despite 3Com owning the Palm division, maker of the then hot, new handheld computer called Palm Pilot (an iPhone predecessor). Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025 At first glance, the S1 looks like a regular handheld wireless microphone. New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handheld.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handheld. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on handheld

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!