handheld
Americanadjective
-
held in the hand or hands.
a handheld torch.
-
small enough to be used or operated while being held in the hand or hands.
a handheld hair drier.
noun
Etymology
Origin of handheld
First recorded in 1920–25
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Inside, a handheld camera noses into personal conversations like another participant.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
"Because we suspect this ability may be more widespread than currently documented," Osuna-Mascaró says, "we invite readers who have observed cows or bulls using sticks or other handheld objects for purposeful actions to contact us."
From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026
Filming from the ground floor with handheld cameras that wouldn’t stir museum security’s suspicion, P.A.I.N. captured a truly remarkable sight as the Sackler’s blizzard came to life.
From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026
His handheld, live camera work provides projected images throughout the production’s 80 minutes, with close-ups showing dance action that the audience would otherwise not see.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026
It was like my elementary music teacher, banging on a handheld wood block with a little mallet.
From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.