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

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

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

The best biscuits are all about cold fat, gentle handling, and a hot oven. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2025

Their impressive handling of defence and attack plays out neatly in the example below from the 73rd minute. —Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025

Meanwhile, federal judges in Maryland and Tennessee are scrutinizing the administration’s handling of both his civil and criminal cases. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

The port will soon reach the peak of its container-handling capacity, port officials have said in recent months. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 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