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

This handheld vacuum, which can be used around the house and in the car, is 80 percent off — but not for much longer. —Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025

First up is this handheld bite that translates Hoppin' John into the perfect appetizer for New Year's Eve. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025

This lightweight, cordless vacuum can run for up to 40 minutes on a charge, and converts to a handheld unit to tackle messes in cars and other hard-to-reach places. —Hildara Araya, Parents, 1 Dec. 2025

The versatile handheld unit transforms from a wet-dry vac to a stick vacuum to a mini-brush that can spruce up any sectional. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025

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