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

Its stainless steel body can last for years of making pour-over coffee every morning or evening cups of hot tea, and the kettle also comes in handy to boil water fast for everyday recipes. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2026

Another handy feature is auto-zoom for important areas like the crib, the front door, or your pet’s favorite spot. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026

Add-ons include a handy ferro rod pendant for campers, a 20-piece bit set, and replacement graphite tips and blades. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026

Neil and Brenda met just days after Neil invented his time machine, which proved to be a handy access pass. — S. M. Reznik, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 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