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

The March 13, 2020, death of Taylor, who was Black, and local anger over Louisville's handling of the case gained widespread attention during the wave of racial justice protests sparked by the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis that May. —Dylan Lovan, Arkansas Online, 22 Mar. 2026

Safety reminder from police White Settlement police used the incident to reiterate the importance of proper firearms safety and handling. —Doug Myers, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026

Amongst the busy corridors of the imposing industry home of the Kunsthal Charlottenborg museum, attendees were heard praising the festival’s handling of AI in particular. —Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026

Questions over consistency The defense also raises questions about the government’s handling of the licensing process. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 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