handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

1

a

: conveniently near

keeps his dictionary handy

b

: convenient for use

a handy little tool

The extra batteries came in handy during the blackout.

c

of a ship : easily handled

2

: clever in using the hands especially in a variety of useful ways

handy with a hammer as well as with a paintbrush

handiness noun

Synonyms of handy

• convenient
• accessible

Examples of handy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s when bottled ranch dressing comes in handy. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Feb. 2026

Robbie has always been the type of actor who knows how to shift subtly in a way that lets a camera capture the alchemy of conflicting emotions, which comes in handy as a counterpoint to the big swings happening behind that camera. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026

The starter box includes the first two weeks of food, custom instructions for you and your pup to help make the transition smooth, a handy scoop and puptainer to serve and hold your Ollie dog food. —Trisha Easto, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026

This 18-pack travel toiletry set can also come in handy to condense all of your favorite toiletries into small, leak-proof bottles and jars. —Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing handy

• came in handy
• come in handy
• handy dandy
• handy for

Rhymes for handy

• bandy
• brandy
• candy
• dandy
• grandee
• randy
• shandy

Kids Definition

handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

1

a

: conveniently near

b

: easily handled or used

a handy sloop

a handy reference book

2

: clever in using the hands : dexterous

handy with a needle

Biographical Definition

Handy

biographical name

Han·​dy ˈhan-dē 

W(illiam) C(hristopher) 1873–1958 American blues musician