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

• administration
• care
• charge
• conduct
• control
• direction
• governance
• government
• guidance
• intendance
• management
• operation
• oversight
• presidency
• regulation
• running
• stewardship
• superintendence
• superintendency
• supervision

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

Hunter’s defense, ball handling ability and 3-point shooting shined in March Madness and her inclusion in the starting five also brought out the best in Van Lith. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025

Recent polls show that a majority of Americans do not support the president's handling of the economy and blame him for what is going on, not Joe Biden. —Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025

Ball handling is one of the most important basic skills in soccer, so using cones as markers and obstacles helps train players to keep the ball close at all times. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2025

Two of the companies named as potential beneficiaries are German materials handling manufacturer Kion and Austrian technology and machinery manufacturing business Palfinger. —Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 16 Apr. 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