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

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has a handy breakdown of all the flights to each Bahamas airport here. —Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026

At first glance, you may be struck by the quirky design of this handy gadget. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026

Guitar and bass players can plug in and choose from 25 instrument-specific amps and cabinets with several microphones, along with 35 separate stompboxes and a handy tuner. —Jamie Lendino, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026

Plus, each towel has a handy hanging loop for easy clean up and efficient drying. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 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