panhandle

1 of 2

noun

pan·​han·​dle ˈpan-ˌhan-dᵊl 

: a narrow projection of a larger territory (such as a state)

the Oklahoma Panhandle

panhandle

2 of 2

verb

panhandled; panhandling ˈpan-ˌhan(d)-liŋ 

-ˌhan-dᵊl-iŋ

intransitive verb

: to stop people on the street and ask for food or money : beg

transitive verb

1

: to accost on the street and beg from

2

: to get by panhandling

panhandler

ˈpan-ˌhan(d)-lər 

-ˌhan-dᵊl-ər

noun

Examples of panhandle in a Sentence

Noun

The Texas Panhandle is the northernmost part of the state.

Verb

He panhandled for his bus fare.

There is a law against panhandling in the subway.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

On receiving a grim prognosis, this matriarch is forced to reconsider all the choices that have brought her to the panhandle. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026

Chad Rome is the marketing president for U-Haul Company of southern Alabama, whose territory also covers the Florida panhandle. —Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026

Verb

Three vehicles with tinted windows and Virginia plates pulled to a stop near a man who was panhandling on a snowy street. —Rob Kuznia, CNN Money, 4 Dec. 2025

Glendale repealed rules banning panhandling and restricting pedestrians from stopping in roadways or medians after a lawsuit was filed to challenge the ordinances. —Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from panhandler, probably from panhandle, noun; from the extended forearm

First Known Use

Noun

1846, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1890, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for panhandle

• candle
• handle
• sandal
• scandal
• vandal

Kids Definition

panhandle

1 of 2 noun

pan·​han·​dle ˈpan-ˌhan-dᵊl 

: a narrow strip of territory that extends from a larger territory (as a state)

the Texas Panhandle

panhandle

2 of 2 verb

panhandled; panhandling

-ˌhan-(d)liŋ, 

-dᵊl-iŋ

: to beg for money on the street

panhandler

-(d)lər 

-dᵊl-ər

noun