handy

¹

[han-dee]

adjective

handier, handiest 

1. within easy reach; conveniently available; accessible.

   The aspirins are handy.

2. convenient or useful.

   A digital thermometer is a handy thing to have at home.

3. skillful with the hands; deft; dexterous.

   a handy person.

   Synonyms: versatile, all-around

4. easily maneuvered.

   a handy ship.

   Synonyms: yare, wieldy, manageable

Handy

²

[han-dee]

noun

1. W(illiam) C(hristopher), 1873–1958, U.S. blues composer.

handy

¹

/ ˈhændɪ /

adjective

1. conveniently or easily within reach

2. easy to manoeuvre, handle, or use

   a handy tool

3. skilful with one's hands

Handy

²

/ ˈhændɪ /

noun

1. W ( illiam ) C ( hristopher ). 1873–1958, US blues musician and songwriter, esp noted for the song "St Louis Blues"

Other Word Forms

• handiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of handy¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English (in surnames); hand, -y ¹

Idioms and Phrases

see come in handy.

Synonym Study

See dexterous.

Example Sentences

Dell provides consulting for server replacements, while Dell Financial Services comes in handy when a customer can’t pay out of pocket for a purchase.

Read more on Barron's

"I think it was really, really handy and it took a lot of pressure off me especially for this year," she told BBC News NI.

Read more on BBC

In Skipton, the concept of the Library of Things means residents of the North Yorkshire market town can borrow handy everyday items, from tools to tents and sports equipment.

Read more on BBC

Although she is initially seen as a schemer, her martial arts background comes in handy as she proves herself to be a reliable team player.

Read more on Salon

He has recently taken a gap year from his degree in textiles and fashion, a qualification which would come in very handy for design challenges on the show.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• available 
• convenient 
• helpful 
• manageable 
• neat 
• practicable 
• practical 
• profitable 
• useful