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

Writer/director Hammer, though, downplays the melodrama inherent to this scenario, even while shooting sequences, whether in Martin and Leslie’s apartment or in various hospitals, with a bracing handheld intimacy. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026

The detachable head, which converts it to a handheld vacuum that can easily clean furniture and stairs. —Molly Blanco, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2026

Additionally, a food truck is planned that will focus on more handheld items, as well as some Indian-American fusion food, like wraps and butter chicken sandwiches. —Jacob Wilt, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 16 Feb. 2026

Simultaneously, a handheld smartphone sound meter can be seen positioned 50 feet away. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for handheld

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

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