plural handles
1
: a part of something that is designed to be held by your hand
He held the shovel by the/its handle.
The handles on the bag were torn.
a door handle [=the part that you turn with your hand to open a door]
2
slang
: nickname entry 1
What's your handle?
handles; handled; handling
1
a
: to touch, feel, hold, or move (something) with your hand
Handle the fruit carefully or it will bruise.
The baked potatoes were too hot to handle with our bare hands.
b
: to manage or control (something) with your hands
He knows how to handle a motorcycle.
He handles his motorcycle well.
She learned how to handle a weapon.
2
: to do the work required for (something)
She handles all the bookkeeping.
The system is handled by the main computer.
She's proven that she can handle anything.
The airport handles both passenger and cargo flights.
3
: to deal with (a person, situation, etc.) successfully
She couldn't handle being away from her children for more than a couple of days.
He's having a hard time handling the pressure of his new job.
A good politician knows how to handle the press.
Do you think he can handle the truth?
4
: to express thoughts about (something) in a piece of music, writing, or art
The class discussed how the author handled [=dealt with] the theme of loneliness in the novel.
5
: to be involved with the buying or selling of (something)
They own a store that handles rugs.
He was arrested for handling stolen goods.
6
—used to describe how easy or difficult it is to control a vehicle
I'm looking for a car that handles well in the snow.
"How does his motorcycle handle?" "It handles very well."
Cite this Entry
“Handle.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/handle. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
