handling

American  

[hand-ling] / ˈhænd lɪŋ /

noun

1. a touching, grasping, or using with the hands.

2. the manner of treating or dealing with something; management; treatment.

3. the manual or mechanical method or process by which something is moved, carried, transported, etc.

---

adjective

1. of or relating to the process of moving, transporting, delivering, working with, etc..

   The factory added a 10 percent handling charge for delivery.

handling British  

/ ˈhændlɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or an instance of picking up, turning over, or touching something

2. treatment, as of a theme in literature

3. 1. the process by which a commodity is packaged, transported, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      handling charges

4. law the act of receiving property that one knows or believes to be stolen

---

Etymology

Origin of handling

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English handlung (noun); equivalent to handle + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

In 2019, he publicly lambasted authorities for their handling of the pro-democracy protests.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Her testimony about the police handling of Boyd’s dashcam tablet, his phones, Spivey’s body and the blue pills echoed the account she gave in her deposition and in court, one of the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Bass has staked much of her reelection campaign on her handling of the homelessness crisis, which she made a top priority as soon as she took office.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

"I understand the why, but I just don't understand how they're handling it."

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Oliver wasn’t handling the ball with his usual ease, but at least the game was taking his mind off his life.

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser

Related Words

• administration
• approach
• care
• conduct
• manipulation
• supervision
• treatment