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.
Another experiment fits bees into cartridges that are plugged into handheld devices.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026
The handheld device, developed by Afferent Medical Solutions, uses two small clips positioned on the tragus, the small flap of cartilage located just in front of the ear canal.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 24, 2026
It already had a lighter facelift for Nintendo's handheld 3DS in 2011.
From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026
There were handheld American flags on skinny sticks, midsize ones to display on a wall and majestic formal flags adorned with silky gold fringe.
From Salon ● Oct. 4, 2026
He emptied all his handheld video games and Josh's remote control cars, and called his grandma to tell her that all he wanted for his birthday in November was AA batteries.
From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell
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