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

Designed to support reinforcement and imitation learning workflows, Adam-U enables tasks such as object manipulation, garment handling, and coordinated movement demonstrations. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026

The City Council Finance Committee on Wednesday will vote on that recommendation in a lawsuit filed by 26 people in connection to the Chicago Police Department's handling of a string of Black Lives Matter protests from late May to mid-August of 2020. —Todd Feurer, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026

Current plaintiffs have sought Wexner’s deposition, arguing that his role on OSU’s board gave him important insight into the school’s handling of Strauss after allegations of his misconduct first surfaced. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 Jan. 2026

Powell on Sunday night revealed that the Justice Department opened an investigation into his handling of renovations to the central bank's headquarters and his testimony about the matter to Congress. —Garrett Downs,emily Wilkins, CNBC, 12 Jan. 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