handling

noun

han·​dling ˈhan-dᵊl-iŋ 

ˈhan(d)-liŋ

1

a

: the action of one that handles something

b

: a process by which something is handled in a commercial transaction

especially : the packaging and shipping of an object or material (as to a consumer)

2

: the manner in which something is treated (as in a musical, literary, or art work)

Synonyms of handling

• management
• operation
• control
• administration
• supervision
• stewardship
• oversight
• direction
• government

Examples of handling in a Sentence

These items require careful handling.

There are additional charges for shipping and handling.

The car's handling was smooth.

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, as speaker, Welch has rebooted a lot of what was wrong with Madigan’s handling of the office. — David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

The company envisions Vox handling dictation while MouthPad handles cursor control. — Jesse Watson , Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026

But neither one assessed the environmental impacts of coal shipping, handling, or storage. — Veronica Eady, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026

Questions have also emerged over Colombia’s handling of foreign rescue teams. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing handling

• shipping and handling
• special handling

Rhymes for handling

• candling
• mishandling