handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

1

a

: conveniently near

keeps his dictionary handy

b

: convenient for use

a handy little tool

The extra batteries came in handy during the blackout.

c

of a ship : easily handled

2

: clever in using the hands especially in a variety of useful ways

handy with a hammer as well as with a paintbrush

handiness noun

Synonyms of handy

• convenient
• accessible

Examples of handy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since the 1960s, cesium has been the element of choice, though clocks based on other metals, such as ytterbium or strontium, have been created for their own handy attributes. — New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2026

With plenty of options to choose from, ten double-your-winning wagers will come in handy from Caesars Sportsbook. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

That speaker tech definitely would’ve come in handy 36 years ago. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 23 Sep. 2026

Atari wore elephant-print pants and a purple wizard’s cloak, and kept handy a face mask emblazoned with the words what if love wins? — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing handy

• come in handy
• handy-dandy
• handy for

Rhymes for handy

• bandy
• brandy
• candy
• dandy
• grandee
• randy
• shandy

Kids Definition

handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

1

a

: conveniently near

b

: easily handled or used

a handy sloop

a handy reference book

2

: clever in using the hands : dexterous

handy with a needle

Biographical Definition

Handy

biographical name

Han·​dy ˈhan-dē 

W(illiam) C(hristopher) 1873–1958 American blues musician