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

This handheld vacuum has a lightweight design and strong suction to clean debris in hard-to-reach areas behind the couch, in the car, and other hard-to-reach areas. — Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026

These few extra channels—combined with some sounds ripped from an expansion for the MSX, another 8-bit console—were enough to transcend the Game Boy’s original limitations while still evoking the handheld system’s primitive beauty. — Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 23 June 2026

Showerhead Upgrade An easier, DIY-friendly spa treat is a handheld massaging showerhead. — Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Potential applications include handheld signal intelligence systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, satellite communications terminals and other portable defense technologies. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 June 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