handles

1 of 2

plural of handle entry 1, present tense third-person singular of handle entry 2

handles

2 of 2

plural noun

han·​dles ˈhan-dᵊlz 

basketball

: skills (such as dribbling and evasive footwork) that involve handling the ball and guarding it from defenders

After a few dribbles, [Caitlin] Clark pulled off a behind-the-back move that froze the defender. … The official Indiana Fever social media account posted a slow-motion version of Clark's handles, making it look that much more impressive.

—Chris Phelps

I'd put him in the top 10 in the city, because he could play any position—center, forward, even point guard because his handles are good.

—Antwon Bess, quoted in The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee)

Word History

First Known Use

Plural Noun

1998, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing handles

• love handles

Rhymes for handles

• candles
• sandals
• scandals
• vandals
• footcandles