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

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

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

More recently, he’s been dogged by controversy over his administration’s handling of an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2025

In March, Turnberry was targeted by vandals who were angered by the Trump administration’s handling of Israel’s invasion of Gaza. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2025

That’s not to say Maron’s handling of grief, or anything, ever gets too serious. —Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2025

The latest polling comes as Trump is facing mounting criticism for his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 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