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

Having three goalies is coming in handy lately with all of the injuries these three have had. —Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026

View gallery - 5 images Options in the world of flashlights for outdoorspeople are plentiful, but this one caught my eye with its unique build and handy features. —Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 28 Jan. 2026

The photo will be a handy reference for transplanting seedlings and plant spacing in the garden. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026

La Habra played without Noah Poppin, a 6-1, 250-pound center who would have come in handy defensively against Mpoyi, who signed with Minnesota. —Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing handy

• came in 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