handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

1

a

: conveniently near

b

: convenient for use

c

of a ship : easily handled

2

: clever in using the hands especially in a variety of useful ways

handy with a hammer as well as with a paintbrush

handiness noun

Synonyms

• accessible
• convenient
• reachable

Examples of handy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Keep those tickets handy, once the Mega Millions releases its results, all winners will be posted here. —Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 4 May 2024

In fact, Depp has an upcoming getaway to look forward to, where such easy-breezy ensembles will come in handy. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing handy

• come in handy
• handy dandy
• handy for

Kids Definition

handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

1

a

: conveniently near

b

: easily handled or used

a handy sloop

a handy reference book

2

: clever in using the hands : dexterous

handy with a needle

Biographical Definition

Handy

biographical name

Han·​dy ˈhan-dē 

W(illiam) C(hristopher) 1873–1958 American blues musician