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

New York City got the toughest grilling, much of it around the district's handling of a November protest at a high school in which students targeted a teacher who had declared her support for Israel on social media. —Nicole Cohen, NPR, 8 May 2024

Honda’s first supercar was a homerun, combining a howling V-6 motor, a wrist-snap manual gearbox, and a low, wedge profile with flattering handling, a supple ride, and an almost Honda Civic–like ease of driving. —Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 7 May 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