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

Although the route-running piece isn’t there just yet, that’s where the Bills’ established top three could come in handy to have Royals develop in the background as the WR4 with a handful of snaps each game. —Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025

Google’s handy Ultra HDR conversion tool will be particularly useful for photographers and social media users who want to maximize the impact of their pictures. —Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Pack, Pad, And Ship Since many of us don’t stock bubble wrap or styrofoam for sending packages, this is another terrific area where shopping bags come in handy. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2025

Not only does her communications degree come in handy, but so does her time on reality TV. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing handy

• come in handy
• handy dandy
• handy for

Rhymes for handy

• bandy
• brandy
• candy
• dandy
• grandee
• randy
• shandy

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