handling

noun

han·​dling ˈhan-dᵊl-iŋ 

ˈhan(d)-liŋ

1

a

: the action of one that handles something

b

: a process by which something is handled in a commercial transaction

especially : the packaging and shipping of an object or material (as to a consumer)

2

: the manner in which something is treated (as in a musical, literary, or art work)

Synonyms of handling

• management
• operation
• control
• administration
• supervision
• stewardship
• oversight
• direction
• government

Examples of handling in a Sentence

These items require careful handling.

There are additional charges for shipping and handling.

The car's handling was smooth.

Recent Examples on the Web

Thousands protested across Mexico on Saturday, pushing back against corruption and the government’s handling of violent crime. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 16 Nov. 2025

The claims come amid criticism of FBI Director Kash Patel's handling of several investigations, including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the campus of the Utah Valley University (UVU) in September. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025

Trump defended Bondi in a social media post amid the pushback from some in his MAGA base over the handling of the Epstein probe. —Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 15 Nov. 2025

Olson is one of the attorneys helping to lead a lawsuit financed by the Independent Council on Women's Sports (ICONS) against the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, the Ivy League and NCAA for its handling of a situation involving transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing handling

• shipping and handling
• special handling

Rhymes for handling

• candling
• mishandling