handling

1 of 2

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)

handling

2 of 2

present participle of handle entry 2

Synonyms of handling

Noun

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

Examples of handling in a Sentence

Noun

These items require careful handling.

There are additional charges for shipping and handling.

The car's handling was smooth.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Experts say part of the problem is that federal laws that govern the handling of health information generally don’t apply to telehealth companies. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman resigned in protest over the handling of Hamas. — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026

Some envelopes move through sorting equipment; others require manual handling. — Lee Moak, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026

Every other subplot was the product of ESPN’s poor handling of the situation and Clark accusing us of conspiring with his former bosses. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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

Phrases Containing handling

• shipping and handling
• special handling

Rhymes for handling

• candling
• mishandling