handy

adjective

Save Word

\ ˈhan-dē

handier; handiest

Definition of handy

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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

Handy

biographical name

Han·dy | \ ˈhan-dē

Definition of Handy (Entry 2 of 2)

W(illiam) C(hristopher) 1873–1958 American blues musician

Other Words from handy Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about handy

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of handy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective That’s one scenario in which a pet feeder comes in handy. — Popular Science, "Reliable pet feeders for when you can’t make it home in time for dinner," 15 May 2020 Though her mother’s health improved later and the spin mop did come in handy, Bhatia isn’t confident about letting her chartered accountant husband use it. — Manavi Kapur, Quartz India, "Urban India has found the perfect symbol for its lockdown purgatory: a mop," 14 May 2020 That's where virtual babysitting can come in handy. — Kelsey Hurwitz, Woman's Day, "What Is Virtual Babysitting? It Could Be the Answer to Parents' Prayers During COVID," 5 May 2020 Melissa Clark All those long-lasting, juicy vegetables in my fridge — the celery, radishes, fennel, turnips, carrots — have come in handy these past weeks (four, but, hey, who’s counting?). — Melissa Clark, New York Times, "A Salad for When You’re Out of Lettuce," 13 Apr. 2020 That means more cash and contracts being awarded to the Hungarian companies with closest ties to Orban, one of the ways the emergency powers can come in handy. — Ian Bremmer, Time, "What Hungary's Viktor Orban's Power Grab Means for the E.U.," 3 Apr. 2020 There are extra-thick mats that are ideal for anyone with knee issues, ones with mega grip that come in handy during super-sweaty workouts like hot yoga, and ultra-long mats for taller folks. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "7 of the Best Yoga Mats for All of Your At-Home Workouts," 3 Apr. 2020 Make sure to wipe down the handle of your cart or basket with a disinfecting wipe (if your store doesn't provide any, this is where your coronavirus kit comes in handy). — Leah Groth, Health.com, "Do You Have to Disinfect Groceries? Here's What You Need to Know About Shopping and Coronavirus," 1 Apr. 2020 And given that these animals wallow in bacteria-laden sediments on the ocean bottom, such antibacterial properties likely come in very handy. — Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, "This shark glows using a process previously unknown to science," 8 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'handy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about handy

Dictionary Entries near handy

Statistics for handy

Last Updated

24 May 2020

Cite this Entry

“Handy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handy. Accessed 4 Jun. 2020.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for handy

handy

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of handy

: very useful or helpful

: near or close

: clever or skillful in using your hands, doing small jobs, etc.

See the full definition for handy in the English Language Learners Dictionary

handy

adjective

\ ˈhan-dē

handier; handiest

Kids Definition of handy

1 : very useful or helpful a handy tool

2 : within easy reach Keep a towel handy.

3 : clever or skillful especially with the hands He's handy with a paintbrush.

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

posture

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

May 2020 Words of the Day Quiz

Which is a synonym of exiguous?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

handy

Definition of handy

Other Words from handy

Synonyms & Antonyms for handy

Examples of handy in a Sentence

First Known Use of handy

Learn More about handy

Dictionary Entries near handy

Statistics for handy

English Language Learners Definition of handy