handheld

adjective

hand·​held ˈhan(d)-ˌheld How to pronounce handheld (audio)
-ˈheld
: held in the hand
especially : designed to be operated while being held in the hand
handheld computers
handheld noun

Examples of handheld in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Earlier this month, Shark Beauty launched its handheld FacialPro Glow tool, which aims to replicate the effects of a Hydrafacial and retails for $399 at Sephora. Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025 Each ball contained about 1/50th of a gram of radioactive isotopes, enough to register on handheld detectors but (theoretically) not enough to be harmful. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2025 The improvements in that technology transferred to the health industry, enabling smaller, less expensive infrared devices for a number of medical applications such as handheld ear thermometers used at home and sophisticated instruments used to detect cancers. Michele Raphael, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025 In just five years, Moniepoint’s handheld point-of-sale devices have become ubiquitous in kiosks, restaurants, and malls across the country, enabling cash deposits and withdrawals, as well as card payments. Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for handheld

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handheld was in 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Handheld.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handheld. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

handheld

adjective
hand·​held -ˌheld How to pronounce handheld (audio)
: held in the hand
especially : designed to be used while being held in the hand
a handheld computer
handheld noun

More from Merriam-Webster on handheld

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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