handy

1 of 2

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

handiness

2 of 2

noun

hand·​i·​ness

ˈhandēnə̇s, 

ˈhaan-, 

-din-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being handy

Synonyms of handy

Adjective

• convenient
• accessible

Examples of handy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

That’s where a home warranty comes in handy. —Sharon Wu, USA Today, 9 June 2026

This, of course, comes in handy for sourcing local intel and recommendations, but also for logistical snafus regarding luggage storage, early check-in, or tricky key hand-offs (all three of which Mariana responded to with gracious flexibility). —Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 June 2026

There’s also a D-mode setting designed to improve grayscale perception – this comes in handy for detailed monochrome content like scans or technical illustrations. —New Atlas, 8 June 2026

This also comes in handy for journals or appointment books that don’t come with ribbons or elastic bookmarks. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

handy + -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

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