handheld

adjective

hand·​held ˈhan(d)-ˌheld 

-ˈheld

: held in the hand

especially : designed to be operated while being held in the hand

handheld computers

handheld

ˈhan(d)-ˌheld 

noun

Examples of handheld in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gaines said her sign was handheld, smaller than the maximum dimensions and contained no offensive language or graphics. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026

The science behind global automotive electronics brand Gooloo’s new handheld tablet signals a major shift in the automotive right-to-repair landscape. — New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026

That’s because the inevitable humidity can damage the internal electrical components of handheld mixers, electric can openers, blenders, and other appliances. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026

Neatly displayed throughout the store are coin purses, perfume bottles, handheld mirrors, bangles, shoes, pillows, scarves and other gems. — New York Times, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for handheld

• barrelled
• beheld
• bushveld
• chiselled
• compelled
• dispelled
• excelled
• expelled
• impelled
• marvelled
• misspelled
• modelled

Kids Definition

handheld

adjective

hand·​held -ˌheld 

: held in the hand

especially : designed to be used while being held in the hand

a handheld computer

handheld noun