handling

noun

han·​dling ˈhan-dᵊl-iŋ 

ˈhan(d)-liŋ

1

a

: the action of one that handles something

b

: a process by which something is handled in a commercial transaction

especially : the packaging and shipping of an object or material (as to a consumer)

2

: the manner in which something is treated (as in a musical, literary, or art work)

Synonyms

• management
• operation
• control
• administration
• supervision
• stewardship
• oversight
• direction
• government
• governance

Examples of handling in a Sentence

These items require careful handling.

There are additional charges for shipping and handling.

The car's handling was smooth.

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of making plans on the fly as the fire burned, agencies had already planned out specifics for the smooth handling of communications, evacuation plans and resources that would need to be called in. —Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 10 July 2025

Several after-action reports from the massive protests in 2020 found glaring problems in the department’s handling of the demonstrations, concluding that poor planning, inadequate training and inconsistent leadership within the department contributed to disorder in the streets. —Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025

Far-right activist Laura Loomer has urged Trump to fire Attorney General Pam Bondi over her handling of the investigation. —Jade Walker, CNN Money, 9 July 2025

The handling of the sensitive military conversation among the president's brass also triggered widespread U.S. security concerns. —Anna Commander gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing handling

• shipping and handling
• special handling

Rhymes for handling

• candling
• mishandling