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

The handheld particle detector CosmicWatch is roughly the size of a box of animal crackers. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026

Massage guns have become ingrained in the post-workout recovery process, with many people reaching for these handheld percussion massagers to knead out sore muscles. —Korin Miller, Outside, 7 Jan. 2026

So, the choice to use the handheld style was a result of those meetings. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026

Drivers using cellphones or other handheld devices in work zones on state highways will soon be spotted by cameras, the Arkansas Highway Police said, and be pulled over and ticketed. —Arkansas Online, 3 Jan. 2026

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