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

But MetroCard and cash payments were unverifiable for the teams, which are equipped with handheld readers that can ascertain whether an OMNY card, bank card or smartphone has recently been used to pay a fare. —Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026

Whether exploring a hot, humid environment or trying to get rest and relief on a plane or cruise where the air feels stuffy, a small handheld mini fan is a great asset. —Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026

As with the Steam Deck version, the touchpads here are most useful as a replacement for the mouse in the many PC games that still aren’t designed with handheld control schemes in mind. —ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2026

The compact vacuum converts into a handheld device for daily messes and spills above the floor. —Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 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