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

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.
Gordon’s experience as a first option in Orlando could come in handy, at least. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025 There's some decent rain chances the rest of the week, so keep an umbrella handy. Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025 More than 10,000 Amazon shoppers have bought this handy gardening tool in the past month alone. Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025 From stews and soups to barbecue and red beans and rice, this handy appliance does it all. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025 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 17 Oct. 2025.

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

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