handling

1 of 2

noun

han·​dling ˈhan-dᵊl-iŋ 

ˈhan(d)-liŋ

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

Noun

• management
• operation
• control
• administration
• supervision
• stewardship
• oversight
• direction
• government

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

Noun

Van Houten, along with police and university officials, has come under intense fire for their handling of the matter. — Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 3 Oct. 2026

Just 26% approve of his handling of the economy overall, marking a new low. — Michelle L. Price, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026

After Mayor Karen Bass appointed Jaime Moore to lead the LAFD, Moore committed to an outside probe into the department’s handling of the Lachman fire. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

The company’s website describes Nucleus as providing humanoid labor to factories by the hour, with current applications including parts picking, shelf loading, product handling, and cart transport. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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

Phrases Containing handling

• shipping and handling
• special handling

Rhymes for handling

• candling
• mishandling