Handle Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

The Britannica Dictionary mobile search

• Home
• Ask the Editor
• Word of the Day
• Quizzes
• Core Vocabulary
• Browse the Dictionary

×

• Britannica Homepage
• Ask the Editor
• Word of the Day
• Quizzes
• Core Vocabulary
• Browse the Dictionary

The Britannica Dictionary handle 4 ENTRIES FOUND:

• handle (noun)
• handle (verb)
• love handles (noun)
• fly (verb)

1 handle /ˈhændl̟/ noun plural handles 1 handle /ˈhændl̟/ noun plural handles Britannica Dictionary definition of HANDLE [count] 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]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — see picture at bag; see also love handles 2 slang : 1nickname

• What's your handle?

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

fly off the handle

— see 1fly

get/have a handle on

informal : to understand (something)

• I can't quite get a handle on the way this machine works.
• It seemed like she had a good handle on the situation. [=she understood the situation and was able to deal with it]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

— handled

/ˈhændl̟d/ adjective — usually used in combination

• a wooden-handled basket

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 handle /ˈhændl̟/ verb handles; handled; handling 2 handle /ˈhændl̟/ verb handles; handled; handling Britannica Dictionary definition of HANDLE 1 [+ object] 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.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 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.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 [+ object] : 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.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 3 [+ object] : 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?

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 4 [+ object] : 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.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 5 [+ object] : to be involved with the buying or selling of (something)

• They own a store that handles rugs.
• He was arrested for handling stolen goods.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 6 [no object] — 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.”

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

handle yourself

: to behave

• She closely watched how the boys handled themselves at the ceremony.
• She handled herself well under very difficult circumstances.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — see also handling ASK THE EDITOR

What are the plural forms of check-in, passerby, and spoonful? See the answer »

QUIZZES Vocabulary Quiz Test your word power Take the Quiz » Name That Thing Take our visual quiz Test Your Knowledge » WORD OF THE DAY

pavilion : a building in a park or garden that usually has open sides and is used for parties, concerts, or other events Learn More »

1. About Us & Legal Info
2. Contact Us
3. Privacy Notice
4. Terms of Use
5. Pronunciation Symbols
6. Help

© 2025 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.