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

Video from the scene showed law enforcement officers taking cover behind patrol SUVs on the street near the home as a small tactical team behind a handheld shield moved toward the structure. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026

In the spring, Disneyland drew attention for its enforcement of restrictions on loose items and handheld filming on certain high-motion rides. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Installing handheld shower heads, Privitera said, was an easy solution. — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

An easy way to distinguish between heat and drought stress is to monitor soil moisture with a simple handheld meter. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for handheld

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

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