handling

1 of 2

noun

han·​dling ˈhan-dᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce handling (audio)
ˈhan(d)-liŋ
Synonyms of handlingnext
1
a
: the action of one that handles something
b
: a process by which something is handled in a commercial transaction
especially : the packaging and shipping of an object or material (as to a consumer)
2
: the manner in which something is treated (as in a musical, literary, or art work)

handling

2 of 2

present participle of handle entry 2

Synonyms of handling

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Noun

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Examples of handling in a Sentence

Noun These items require careful handling. There are additional charges for shipping and handling. The car's handling was smooth.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Anil Thapa, a police inspector coordinating the handling of the bodies, said another 50 bodies were having DNA samples taken ahead of their likely burial Sunday. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 Park represents the Pacific Palisades, where residents have sharply criticized Bass over her handling of the Palisades fire, which destroyed thousands of homes and left 12 people dead. — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 The plasma centrifuge offers a dry, non-chemical alternative that eliminates mercury handling entirely. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026 And Trump gets relatively poor ratings on his handling of the economy, immigration and foreign policy. — Steve Peoples, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handling

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of handling was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing handling

Rhymes for handling

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Browse Nearby Words

handline
handling
handling room
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Cite this Entry

“Handling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handling. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on handling

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about handling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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