handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

1

a

: conveniently near

b

: convenient for use

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

• accessible
• convenient
• reachable

Examples of handy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This Hoover carpet cleaner is a shopper favorite due to its impressive cleaning capabilities and handy tools, and customers especially praise its ability to erase stains from pet accidents in a few simple swipes. —Alicia Geigel, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2024

So just keep your wallet handy and your WiFi cracking along at high speed as the low prices roll in. —Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2024

People will want to watch the sky and keep an umbrella handy. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2024

It can be converted to a handheld vacuum, but also comes with four different attachment heads, including a handy hair screw tool for sucking hair out of upholstery. —Cierra Cowan, PCMAG, 10 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing handy

• come in handy
• handy dandy
• handy for

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