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

According to the survey, 51% of Americans approve Trump’s handling of border security and immigration, while 49% disapprove. —Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 16 June 2025

The leaders will now likely try to influence Trump’s handling of the conflict, given Washington’s leverage over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 15 June 2025

While there’s been backlash to California Democrats’ handling of the demonstrations that have broken out this week in Los Angeles along with the Southern California wildfires earlier this year, Republicans will face an uphill climb in the governor’s race. —Julia Manchester, The Hill, 13 June 2025

Counsell’s handling of Brown is still a work in progress. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 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