handier; handiest
Synonyms of handynext
1
a
: conveniently near
keeps his dictionary handy
b
: convenient for use
a handy little tool
The extra batteries came in handy during the blackout.
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

Examples of handy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Which came in handy against the pesky Trail Blazers. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026 Testing your soil and measuring your trees’ annual growth rate are also handy ways to judge if your trees need more nutrients. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026 There’s nothing really funny about somebody who’s got it all together, and so that’s handy in this, because these people are not together. Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026 And that's where an easy, nearby escape comes in handy. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handy

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of handy was circa 1525

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handy. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

handy

adjective
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 How to pronounce Handy (audio)
W(illiam) C(hristopher) 1873–1958 American blues musician

More from Merriam-Webster on handy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster