handling

noun

han·​dling ˈhan(d)-liŋ 

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)

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

Both Bauer and Hemenway and Barnes provided legal services to the DNC prior to the Justice Department probe into Mr. Biden's handling of classified documents which began in late 2022. —Arden Farhi, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2024

Others described the trial as a politically useful opportunity for Republicans to attack Democrats on immigration, an issue over which voters overwhelmingly disapprove of President Biden’s handling. —Liz Goodwin, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024

Foreign policy analysts might argue that the Biden administration’s adroit handling of the Gaza conflict augurs well for a return of the United States to the Middle East. —Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2024

Many members of Dearborn’s Arab American and Muslim American communities have openly rejected Biden for his handling of the Israel-Hamas war. —Leah Dolan, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024

Jordan and Comer subpoenaed the audio of Biden's interview following the release of Hur's report in February, which in addition to examining Biden's handling of classified materials while out of office also included embarrassing details about his age and lack of recall. —Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2024

Heart rate response to gentle handling of frog and lizard Applied Animal Behaviour Science. —Lily Carey, Discover Magazine, 8 Apr. 2024

At home, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the subject of mass street protests calling for his removal over his handling of the war. —Alexander Smith, NBC News, 7 Apr. 2024

Just last week a Gallup poll showed a majority of Americans now disapprove of Israel's handling of the war in Gaza, compared to the majority who approved shortly after the Oct. 7 attack. —Susan Davis, NPR, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing handling

• shipping and handling
• special handling