handle

1 of 2

noun

han·​dle ˈhan-dᵊl 

1

: a part that is designed especially to be grasped by the hand

2

: something that resembles a handle

3

a

: title sense 4

a royal handle

b

: name

also : nickname

went by his childhood handle

4

: hand sense 9c

the smooth handle of silk

5

: the total amount of money bet on a race, game, or event

6

: a means of understanding or controlling

can't quite get a handle on things

handled

ˈhan-dᵊld 

adjective

handleless

ˈhan-dᵊl-(l)əs 

adjective

handle

2 of 2

verb

handled; handling ˈhan(d)-liŋ 

ˈhan-dᵊl-iŋ

transitive verb

1

a

: to try or examine (as by touching, feeling, or moving) with the hand

handle silk to judge its weight

b

: to manage with the hands

handle a horse

2

a

: to deal with in writing or speaking or in the plastic arts

He handles the topic briefly in his book.

b

: to have overall responsibility for supervising or directing : manage

a lawyer handles all my affairs

c

: to train and act as the assistant for (a boxer)

handles featherweight boxers

d

: to put up with : stand

can't handle the heat

3

: to act on or perform a required function with regard to

handle the day's mail

4

: to engage in the buying, selling, or distributing of (a commodity)

intransitive verb

: to act, behave, or respond in a certain way when handled or directed

a car that handles well

handleable

ˈhan-dᵊl-ə-bəl 

adjective

Phrases

off the handle

: into a state of sudden and violent anger

—usually used with fly

seemed ready to fly off the handle

Synonyms

Noun

• grip
• haft
• handgrip
• helve

Verb

• address
• contend (with)
• cope (with)
• field
• grapple (with)
• hack
• manage
• maneuver
• manipulate
• negotiate
• play
• swing
• take
• treat

Examples of handle in a Sentence

Noun

He held the shovel by the handle.

The handles on the bag were torn.

Verb

Handle the fruit carefully or it will bruise.

The baked potatoes were too hot to handle with our bare hands.

He knows how to handle a motorcycle.

He handles his motorcycle well.

She learned how to handle a weapon.

She handles all the bookkeeping.

The system is handled by the main computer.

She's proven that she can handle anything.

The airport handles both passenger and cargo flights.

She couldn't handle being away from her children for more than a couple of days.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Users can carry it by its top handle or shoulder strap. —Claire Peltier, ABC News, 19 Apr. 2024

Outside, the Peoria police and fire departments began coordinating to get a handle on the situation. —Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2024

These pot holders are highly flexible, enabling users the dexterity necessary to easily grab a pan or pot handle while still having enough coverage and hand protection. —Jack Byram, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2024

Curry may have felt rushed by the ticking game clock, and ended up losing his handle. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2024

There are five sizes of the Quencher available, each featuring cupholder-compatible bases, a screw-on lid, a reusable straw, and a comfort grip handle. —Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2024

Our tester liked the grippy handle and comfortable hold while in use. —Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2024

Ahead of the Iowa-UConn matchup, 69% of the handle (total money) and 69% of the bets (total transactions) are on Iowa to win; 77% of the handle (total money) and 69% of the bets (total transactions) are on Iowa to cover the spread (-3.5). —Will Ujek, NBC News, 6 Apr. 2024

The steamer measures about 11 inches high by 6 inches wide, and has a large handle, according to the notice. —Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024

Verb

Lucinda Prain handled the deal for Casarotto alongside Raffaella De Angelis who spearheaded the literary acquisition for Fremantle, overseen by Fremantle Global Drama CEO Christian Vesper and Global Drama COO Seb Shorr. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2024

Post production for the pic will be handled at Tunnel Post in Santa Monica. —Ed Meza, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024

While Mendota Mental Health Institute serves people in a variety of circumstances, Sand Ridge handles a much more specific population. —Journal Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2024

Steve Lopez: Benny Wasserman handled the heat — in life and in the batting cage. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024

In addition to supporting his presidential campaign, contributions will also be directed into a political action committee handling most of Mr. Trump's legal bills. —Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2024

The Traffic Investigation Unit is handling the case. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2024

Baltimore’s port handles more cars and farm equipment than any other similar facility in the country, and the disaster has created logistical problems up and down the East Coast. —Lea Skene, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2024

Samara handles everything needed to get their backyard homes up and running, from permits to site preparation to installation. —David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English handel, from Old English handle; akin to Old English hand

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing handle

• fly off the handle
• get/have a handle on
• handle oneself
• off the handle

Kids Definition

handle

1 of 2 noun

han·​dle ˈhan-dᵊl 

1

: a part that is designed to be grasped by the hand

2

: name entry 1 sense 1, title sense 3

handled

-dᵊld 

adjective

handle

2 of 2 verb

handled; handling ˈhan-(d)liŋ 

-dᵊl-iŋ

1

a

: to touch, feel, hold, or move with the hand

b

: to manage with the hands

handle a horse

2

a

: to deal with or act on

handle a problem

b

: control entry 1 sense 1b, direct

an accountant handles my financial concerns

c

: to put up with : stand

can't handle the heat

3

: to deal or trade in

a store that handles rugs

4

: to act, behave, or respond in a certain way when managed or directed

a car that handles well

handler

ˈhan-(d)lər

-dᵊl-ər

noun