First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1handle
noun han·dle \ˈhan-dəl\
: a part of something that is designed to be held by your hand
Full Definition of HANDLE
1
: a part that is designed especially to be grasped by the hand
2
: something that resembles a handle
4
: hand 11c
5
: the total amount of money bet on a race, game, or event
6
: a means of understanding or controlling <can't quite get a handle on things>
— han·dled \-dəld\ adjective
— han·dle·less \-dəl-(l)əs\ adjective
— off the handle
: into a state of sudden and violent anger —usually used with fly
See handle defined for English-language learners
See handle defined for kids
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Origin of HANDLE
Middle English handel, from Old English handle; akin to Old English hand
2handle
verb
: to touch, feel, hold, or move (something) with your hand
: to manage or control (something) with your hands
: to do the work required for (something)
han·dledhan·dling \ˈhan(d)-liŋ, ˈhan-dəl-iŋ\
Full Definition of HANDLE
transitive verb
1
a : to try or examine (as by touching, feeling, or moving) with the hand <handle silk to judge its weight> b : to manage with the hands <handle a horse>
2
3
: to act on or perform a required function with regard to <handle the day's mail>
4
: to engage in the buying, selling, or distributing of (a commodity)
intransitive verb
: to act, behave, or respond in a certain way when handled or directed <a car that handles well>
— han·dle·able \-dəl-ə-bəl\ adjective
See handle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of HANDLE
before 12th century
Related to HANDLE
- Synonyms
- address, contend (with), cope (with), field, grapple (with), hack, manage, maneuver, manipulate, negotiate, play, swing, take, treat, come to grips with, have a grip on
HANDLE Defined for Kids
1handle
noun han·dle \ˈhan-dəl\
Definition of HANDLE for Kids
: the part by which something (as a dish or tool) is picked up or held
— han·dled \-dəld\ adjective <a short-handled broom>
2handle
verb
han·dledhan·dling
Definition of HANDLE for Kids
1
: to touch, feel, hold, or move with the hand <Please don't handle the merchandise.>
2
: to manage or control especially with the hands <He knows how to handle a motorcycle.>
4
: to deal with or act on <Firing—the final step in the process … —was handled well by no man. — Linda Sue Park, A Single Shard>
5
: to deal or trade in <This store handles electronics.>
6
: to put up with <I can't handle this heat.>
— han·dler \ˈhand-lər\ noun
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