handling

noun

han·​dling ˈhan(d)-liŋ How to pronounce handling (audio)
ˈhan-dᵊl-iŋ
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)

Example Sentences

These items require careful handling. There are additional charges for shipping and handling. The car's handling was smooth.
Recent Examples on the Web Erdogan has been criticized for his handling of the massive earthquake that hit the country earlier this year, as well as Turkey's ailing economy. Henry Austin, NBC News, 15 May 2023 But no such research is required before concluding that San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins’ handling of the matter has been disappointing. Justin Phillips, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 May 2023 The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association has expressed frustration with the airline’s handling of scheduling work rules and technology improvements - a central issue to the holiday meltdown the airline experienced last year. Hannah Sampson, Natalie B. Compton, Anchorage Daily News, 13 May 2023 Michael Ferrara, another of Ms. Carroll’s lawyers, noted in the interview that the jurors’ handling of the case showed that the process was not rigged. Kate Christobek, New York Times, 11 May 2023 Joe Manchin Perhaps Biden's biggest Democratic maverick to contend with, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) sharply rebuked his administration's handling of the situation. Ryan King, Washington Examiner, 11 May 2023 The military has come under criticism in recent years for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic and for the country’s flagging economic growth. Vasapa Wanichwethin, Washington Post, 10 May 2023 Trump additionally faces multiple investigations, including into his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and the handling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 10 May 2023 Like the rest of the Republicans in Arizona's delegation, Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., has been critical of Biden's handling of Title 42 and border security overall. Tara Kavaler, The Arizona Republic, 9 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'handling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of handling was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near handling

Cite this Entry

“Handling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handling. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

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