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

The company said the report identified serious vulnerabilities in its remote diagnostic, credential management and data-handling systems. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026

The second Cabinet member to leave was former Attorney General Pam Bondi, in response to growing frustration over the Justice Department's handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. —Arkansas Online, 23 May 2026

Trump’s poll numbers have taken a hit, further dropping on an issue that had been one of his strengths, the handling of the economy. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 23 May 2026

Sure, the brakes don’t bite like modern versions, and the handbrake appeared to be nonexistent, but the handling was surprisingly responsive and confident. —James Morris, Forbes.com, 23 May 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