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

An auto shut-off is a handy feature that keeps the fan running to clear the air after cooking then turns it off to save electricity. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025

This handy calculator can give you a better idea of a protein target that will meet your individual needs. —Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 24 June 2025

Add them to salads and pasta dishes, or keep a stash handy to snack on between meals. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 23 June 2025

There, the Duchess of Sussex carried a basket, and Lili accessorized with her own handy tote: a rainbow purse! —Janine Henni, People.com, 23 June 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