handheld

adjective

hand·​held ˈhan(d)-ˌheld How to pronounce handheld (audio)
-ˈheld
: held in the hand
especially : designed to be operated while being held in the hand
handheld computers
handheld noun

Examples of handheld in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There are plenty of retro and contemporary items to choose from, from controllers to smartphones to gaming consoles that once dominated the handheld market in the US. Brandon Widder, The Verge, 12 Mar. 2024 After noticing discrepancies between the handheld detectors and other types of air testing in use in East Palestine, the EPA studied the devices over the summer. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 9 Mar. 2024 In addition to floor work, the upright vacuum converts into a handheld device to clean couches, curtains, car interiors, and more. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 Within the Abbey the camera has the perspective of another person in the room, often handheld, watchful and intimate. Callum McLennan, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024 These are more powerful mulchers than handheld options, and are capable of mulching small sticks and twigs. Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Feb. 2024 Our messenger could approach the whales and play the clan’s social-marker coda through her handheld speaker. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2024 Don’t look at the sun through any unfiltered optical device — camera lens, telescope, binoculars — while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer, according to NASA. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 Everyone on the continent will see the partial phases of the eclipse, which must be viewed directly only through solar eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'handheld.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handheld was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near handheld

Cite this Entry

“Handheld.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handheld. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

handheld

adjective
hand·​held -ˌheld How to pronounce handheld (audio)
: held in the hand
especially : designed to be used while being held in the hand
a handheld computer
handheld noun

More from Merriam-Webster on handheld

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