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

Roughly two-thirds of voters disapprove of his handling of Iran and the same goes for the economy and inflation, according to a recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 16 May 2026

Furthermore, these events highlight ongoing challenges in edge-case handling that are relevant to the safe scaling of an unsupervised robotaxi fleet. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026

Americans are seriously questioning his handling of key issues, such as inflation, immigration, jobs and foreign affairs. —Tatishe Nteta, Fortune, 16 May 2026

The combination of exploration, car culture, and a handling model that is grounded in reality without being punishing has proven out as a winning formula. —Adam Ismail, The Drive, 14 May 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