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

Trump scores positive marks only on crime—as party confidence in his handling of the economy, immigration, and the federal budget continues to fall. —Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025

In that game, a pair of puck-handling blunders by Nedeljkovic led to a 4-3 Golden Knights win in overtime. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2025

Their backing went far beyond location access — the production has had access to military training grounds, tents and vehicles, and even benefited from consultants advising actors on terminology and weapons-handling. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025

Then, there’s damage from heat styling, chemicals, harsh shampoos, or rough handling makes the cuticle more porous, allowing excess moisture in and increasing frizz. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Nov. 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