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 original series from the '60s had introduced technological concepts such as a handheld communicator — which inspired the invention of the flip phone. — Mandalit Del Barco, NPR, 8 Sep. 2026

Plus, don’t miss out on handy finds like this handheld vacuum that makes quick work of small messes in tight spaces and an insulated Yeti tumbler that keeps water cold all day long. — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026

Machine aerators are rolled over the lawn like a mower, and handheld versions are stepped on like a shovel. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026

Not for Crystal and Carley, a mother and daughter, who were seated on a blanket and sharing a handheld fan. — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 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