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

Floris had previously drawn scrutiny from congressional Republicans over the FBI’s handling of their Hunter Biden investigation. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026

Any attempt at driving normally is an exercise in futility with the rear-wheel-drive RV handling like a shopping cart full of bricks. — Jason Bennett, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2026

Patterson was later fired outright for his handling of the situation, the Star-Telegram previously reported. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026

In January, news broke that a flank of shareholders was suing the board of Alphabet, Google’s parent company, over the handling of the Rubin affair. — Claire Stapleton, New Yorker, 18 July 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