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

Plus, score presents for jetsetters, including the Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 Fan and a handy travel adapter. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 12 Nov. 2026

GlassesUSA not only offers an AI assistant and virtual try-on feature, but the site also has handy drop-down Q&As about eyewear trends, face and lens shape, how to read your prescription, and insurance quandaries. — Alison Abbey Hudak, Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2026

The ability to keep calm in a storm is a particularly handy talent for JISOO. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 10 Nov. 2026

Keep your vacuum and lint roller handy, though, since your pets won’t stop shedding. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 10 Nov. 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