handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

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

Synonyms of handy

• convenient
• accessible

Examples of handy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On Los Angeles freeways that muscle comes in handy all day long. — Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Hit-or-miss shower chances will linger through the day, so keep an umbrella handy, especially west of Interstates 35 and 49. — Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

Adrienne cuts her leg on a rock, but Sara tends to it immediately with her handy dandy first aid kit. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Whatever Crow’s future ambitions, a cohort of fellow street fighters might come in handy. — Philip Elliott, Time, 27 July 2026

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