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

The Echo Spot shaves it down even further to a half-sphere and adds a handy little touch screen for visual information. —K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026

That Shah doesn’t fast but uses the holy month as an excuse for his poor audition performance is a handy shorthand for his relationship to his identity. —Alison Herman, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026

These can be used to quickly snap on a variety of handy accessories, including a light that will definitely prove useful as an overhead and/or area camper light. —C.c. Weiss march 24, New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2026

That could come in handy if, for example, Sasaki runs into trouble again. —Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 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