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

His office is issuing subpoenas to OpenAI requesting records of the company's protocols for reporting possible crimes to law enforcement, and its handling of user threats. —Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026

When leaders become too preoccupied with managing feelings, people get less practice handling frustration, taking correction, and functioning under pressure—the very experiences that build resilience. —Jonathan Alpert Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026

While the handling of the outburst by BAFTA and the BBC wasn’t ideal for anyone involved, the outrage and fallout from the event shows that Davidson’s lifelong mission to educate the wider population about Tourette syndrome is ongoing, and so important. —Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

As questions about transparency and cronyism swirl, Huntington Beach leaders are divided over the handling of a brand management and marketing contract aimed at revamping the city’s merchandising and licensing systems. —Claire Wang, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 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