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.
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Noun
The objective was to verify safety aspects, logistical parameters related to handling and loading, as well as the system’s ability to manage pressure and blast effects during launch. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026 Those stories emerged at a time when Congress was confronted by public outrage over the government's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 The human touch ArvatoConnect's Maxwell argued that average handling times may need to increase as employees take on more complex cases. — Lindsay Dodgson, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026 The review also went to notable lengths to call out the Coastal Commission’s handling of whether people can drive ATVs on the beach at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. — Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about handling

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