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

While the 60s feel of the Hotel Locarno is mostly charming, our bathroom only contained a bath and a handheld shower. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

The device is designed for efficient, comfortable use with no pain or downtime, all in a compact, handheld design. —ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026

This handheld milk frother works on all types of milk, including whole, half-and-half, soy, almond and cashew. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026

At its simplest, Takolink is a standalone monitor that mirrors a phone display with a single tap, using your handheld device's native screen casting, allowing content to appear almost immediately. —New Atlas, 27 Mar. 2026

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