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

Officers use a handheld radio, and the aircraft has mounts for action cameras. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

The Ohio State University The team explored several Scentronic designs, including a lightweight wristband with two scent channels, a necklace with five arranged like pearls on a string, and a handheld five-channel version. — New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026

Designers across the fashion capitals sent models down the catwalk carrying purses by one or two short straps, putting the handheld style firmly back in the spotlight. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

The stark black-and-white of Schindler’s List (1994) and the chaotic handheld battle scenes of Saving Private Ryan (1998), changed the look and feel or period drama and war films forever. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 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