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 of handling

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

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

His economic approval is down to 35% and, on his handling of Iran, just 33% approve. —Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 9 May 2026

Mamdani orders investigation into Bellevue Hospital Mayor Zohran Mamdani ordered an investigation into Bellevue Hospital's handling of the suspect's psychiatric evaluation and discharge in response to the attack on Falzone in Chelsea. —Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 9 May 2026

The pavilion and its organizers had attracted some criticism for their chaotic handling of the artist selection process. —Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 9 May 2026

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a city probe into Bellevue's handling of Burke's psychiatric evaluation in the wake of the killing. —Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026

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