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.
Profitable Niche UltraGreen’s dye, paired with a handheld camera, allows surgeons to observe blood flows in their patients. Bernadette Toh, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026 The other is a smaller, more mysterious handheld chunk of willow or poplar wood that may have been used to shape stone tools, according to research published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026 The ensuing attack is staged with harrowing, heart-in-mouth immediacy, shot by Jun with propulsive, handheld looseness and mud on the lens. Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026 Scoop up our favorite finds, including a pasta roller attachment for making the perfect homemade pasta, a handheld blender for easy smoothies in seconds, and darling towels that serve as the ultimate cleaning companion, from $8. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handheld.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handheld. Accessed 29 Jan. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on handheld

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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