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

Instead of a handheld probe, the technician uses the Invenia ABUS (Automated Breast Ultrasound) machine, which is manufactured by GE and received FDA approval this year, to automatically capture hundreds of images of the entire breast. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 15 Oct. 2026

But no one knows the future—and at present, handheld devices are still king. — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

As many people, including myself, have discovered, Windows 11 is quite a heavy processing load on handheld gaming PCs. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026

For years, Chinese hardware manufacturers have carved out a market niche with an array of handheld Android gaming devices focused on retro emulation and/or more modern game-streaming capabilities. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 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