handier; handiest
1
a
: conveniently near
b
: convenient for use
c
of a ship : easily handled
2
: clever in using the hands especially in a variety of useful ways
handy with a hammer as well as with a paintbrush
handiness noun

Examples of handy 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.
Billboard’s Friday Music Guide serves as a handy guide to this Friday’s most essential releases — the key music that everyone will be talking about today, and that will be dominating playlists this weekend and beyond. Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 22 Nov. 2024 This handy sofa bed pulls out to create a much more comfortable sleeping space than an air mattress. Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024 These handy little devices have been a traveler's best friend since their debut. Michael Stefanov, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2024 Stoick costume came in handy while filming in the thick of winter in Northern Ireland. Jordana Comiter, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for handy 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of handy was circa 1525

Dictionary Entries Near handy

Cite this Entry

“Handy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handy. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

handy

adjective
handier; handiest
1
a
: conveniently near
b
: easily handled or used
a handy sloop
a handy reference book
2
: clever in using the hands : dexterous
handy with a needle

Biographical Definition

Handy

biographical name

Han·​dy ˈhan-dē How to pronounce Handy (audio)
W(illiam) C(hristopher) 1873–1958 American blues musician

More from Merriam-Webster on handy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!