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

Santa Ono drew criticism from both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel camps in Michigan over his handling of the protests. —Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025

Individual polls show that Americans remain sharply divided over Trump's handling of the economy during his second term. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025

Florida’s higher education board late Tuesday voted against confirming Santa Ono as the next president of the University of Florida after questioning Ono during an intense hours-long meeting about his views on diversity, equity and inclusion programs and his handling of campus protests. —Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025

Most sales training focuses on closing techniques, objection handling and performance hacks. —Erin Stafford, Forbes.com, 3 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