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.
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.
Noun
These locations support fabrication, thermal protection systems, tooling, logistics, and materials handling. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 Slow handling or a simple disagreement, by itself, won’t count as bad faith; the statute draws that line deliberately. — Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 Leo’s handling of his cancer is in many ways textbook American-style corporate good governance, applied to the Catholic Church, said Julie Rubio, a professor of Christian social ethics at the Jesuit school of theology at Santa Clara University. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 So says Cornell president Michael Kotlikoff over the school's handling of Jane Doe's gang rape. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 16 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about handling

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