handheld

adjective

hand·​held ˈhan(d)-ˌheld How to pronounce handheld (audio)
-ˈheld
: held in the hand
especially : designed to be operated while being held in the hand
handheld computers
handheld
ˈhan(d)-ˌheld How to pronounce handheld (audio)
noun

Examples of handheld in a Sentence

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.
In May 2024, The War Zone examined Chinese state television video showing soldiers taking cover from first-person-view (FPV) drones, using a net-catching projectile, and demonstrating a handheld jammer. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 The handheld scanner design also has a reasonable price point versus larger units. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 Tensions ran high enough that a senior Xbox executive threatened to scrap the handheld project rather than adopt the Windows build, according to people briefed on the clash. — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 Instead of a handheld probe, the technician uses the Invenia ABUS (Automated Breast Ultrasound) machine, which is manufactured by GE and received FDA approval this year, to automatically capture hundreds of images of the entire breast. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handheld

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handheld was in 1891

Rhymes for handheld

See All Rhymes for handheld

Browse Nearby Words

handhabend
handheld
handhold
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Cite this Entry

“Handheld.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handheld. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

handheld

adjective
hand·​held -ˌheld How to pronounce handheld (audio)
: held in the hand
especially : designed to be used while being held in the hand
a handheld computer
handheld noun
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