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 Market has that same energy, where people can grab a quality La Masa handheld to enjoy on the go or while exploring the Third Ward with family and friends. —Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025

The Action also includes a grip to make handheld shooting easier, a 2.5-inch flip touchscreen, and the ability to remotely adjust the camera's shooting settings when it's detached. —New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2025

Populus, recognizing that travelers have different preferences, even allows guests to choose from three types of shower heads: fixed, rainfall, and handheld. —Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 22 Aug. 2025

Many of us are old enough to recall recording our names on borrowing cards and lugging a tome home, while others conjure the latest titles immediately onto handheld devices and devour them just as quickly. —Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 21 Aug. 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