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

Several videos posted to social media Wednesday showed Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone when a shot rang out. —Ella McCarthy, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2025

Pumpkin ice cream is swirled with warm spices, dipped in a sweet white coating, and tucked into a crunchy cone for the perfect handheld treat. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025

The handheld food item is made with the brand’s Thin N’ Crispy crust, folded around toppings and cheese, then baked and sprinkled with Parmesan and oregano. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025

Cinematographer Pal Ulvik Rokseth uses handheld cameras to capture the chaos, while James Newton Howard’s emotional score and immersive sound design add to the tension. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for handheld

• barrelled
• beheld
• chiselled
• compelled
• dispelled
• excelled
• expelled
• impelled
• marvelled
• misspelled
• modelled
• panelled

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