hand warmer

noun

variants or less commonly handwarmer

ˈhan(d)-ˌwȯr-mər 

plural hand warmers also handwarmers

: an object (such as a single-use chemical packet or a reusable battery-operated device) about the size of a palm that generates heat to warm the hands in cold weather

Using hand warmers that keep your fingers toasty can be the difference between a miserable day on the slopes and a memorable one.

—Alex Rennie and Joe Bloss

Most disposable hand warmers contain a mix of iron, water, activated carbon, vermiculite, cellulose, and salt. Once exposed to air, the iron oxidizes and releases heat in the process.

—Matt Heid

The hand warmer has one USB port that you can use to charge your phone or any other compatible device, and it also has a powerful built-in LED flashlight.

—Liz Zack

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above