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

Public confidence in the president’s handling of immigration has been plummeting. —Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026

For The Times) Democrats raised concerns with the Justice Department’s handling of shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis, and other recent actions. —Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026

Development of the new jet had reached the stage where Boeing had to determine which changes to the cockpit airline pilots should be alerted to, particularly changes in the controls affecting its handling. —Clive Irving, Vanity Fair, 30 Jan. 2026

The partnership aims to remove the constraints of battery service life through advanced power handling. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 30 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