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.
One possible alternative for people who want more from their handheld E-Ink tablet is the Boox Palma series, which is also a small and pocketable device but with much different goals. Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 3 Sep. 2025 Green lasers typically consume more power, which means a handheld device can drain its battery much faster if nothing else is optimized. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025 Like some other models such as the Dyson V8, this one can transform into a handheld design for portability and precise cleaning. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025 Kirk Baxter’s arrhythmic cutting is designed around quicksilver shifts that, along with Barry Ackroyd’s restlessly attentive, mostly handheld camerawork, allow Bigelow to redirect our attention with virtuoso command. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 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
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