handle

[han-dl]

noun

1. a part of a thing made specifically to be grasped or held by the hand.

2. that which may be held, seized, grasped, or taken advantage of in effecting a purpose.

   The clue was a handle for solving the mystery.

3. Slang.

   1. a person's name, especially the given name.

   2. a person's alias, nickname, or code name.

   3. a username, as on a social media website.

      What's your Twitter handle?

   4. a name or term by which something is known, described, or explained.

4. the total amount wagered on an event, series of events, or for an entire season or seasons, as at a gambling casino or in horse racing.

   The track handle for the day was over a million dollars.

5. the total amount of money taken in by a business concern on one transaction, sale, event, or series of transactions, or during a specific period, especially by a theater, nightclub, sports arena, resort hotel, or the like.

6. hand.

7. Informal.,  a way of getting ahead or gaining an advantage.

   The manufacturer regards the new appliance as its handle on the Christmas market.

verb (used with object)

handled, handling 

1. to touch, pick up, carry, or feel with the hand or hands; use the hands on; take hold of.

2. to manage, deal with, or be responsible for.

   My wife handles the household accounts.

   This computer handles all our billing.

3. to use or employ, especially in a particular manner; manipulate.

   to handle color expertly in painting.

4. to manage, direct, train, or control.

   to handle troops.

5. to deal with (a subject, theme, argument, etc.).

   The poem handled the problem of instinct versus intellect.

6. to deal with or treat in a particular way.

   to handle a person with tact.

7. to deal or trade in.

   to handle dry goods.

   Synonyms: peddle, hawk, market, carry, vend, sell

verb (used without object)

handled, handling 

1. to behave or perform in a particular way when handled, directed, managed, etc..

   The troops handled well.

   The jet was handling poorly.

handle

/ ˈhændəl /

noun

1. the part of a utensil, drawer, etc, designed to be held in order to move, use, or pick up the object

2. a glass beer mug with a handle

3. slang,  a person's name or title

4. a CB radio slang name for call sign

5. an opportunity, reason, or excuse for doing something

   his background served as a handle for their mockery

6. the quality, as of textiles, perceived by touching or feeling

7. the total amount of a bet on a horse race or similar event

8. informal,  to become suddenly extremely angry

verb

1. to pick up and hold, move, or touch with the hands

2. to operate or employ using the hands

   the boy handled the reins well

3. to have power or control over

   my wife handles my investments

4. to manage successfully

   a secretary must be able to handle clients

5. to discuss (a theme, subject, etc)

6. to deal with or treat in a specified way

   I was handled with great tact

7. to trade or deal in (specified merchandise)

8. (intr) to react or respond in a specified way to operation or control

   the car handles well on bends

Other Word Forms

• handleable adjective
• handleability noun
• handleless adjective
• overhandle verb (used with object)
• prehandle verb (used with object)
• rehandle verb (used with object)
• handled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of handle¹

First recorded before 900; (noun) Middle English handel, Old English hand(e)le, derivative of hand ; (verb) Middle English handelen, Old English handlian (cognate with German handlen, Old Norse hǫndla “to seize”), derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of handle¹

Old English; related to Old Saxon handlon (vb), Old High German hantilla towel

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. get / have a handle on, to acquire an understanding or knowledge of.

   Can you get a handle on what your new boss expects?

2. fly off the handle, to become very agitated or angry, especially without warning or adequate reason.

   I can't imagine why he flew off the handle like that.

More idioms and phrases containing handle

• fly off the handle
• get a fix (handle) on

Example Sentences

Sophia writes two to three articles a month for Austin Monthly magazine, does copy editing for a media group and handles brand communications for a nonprofit foundation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Their accounts point to inconsistencies in how US authorities assess the risks facing Iranian returnees and how sensitive religious information in asylum files is handled.

Read more on BBC

Former captain Michael Vaughan, who handled the attack that famously won the 2005 Ashes, said it was among the highest-quality fast bowling he had seen from an England team.

Read more on BBC

County prosecutor, and Caleb Mason, a former federal prosecutor in San Diego, to handle their lawsuits.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Sinn Féin North Antrim MLA and party spokesperson for health Philip McGuigan told The View: "I don't think any administration anywhere in the world wouldn't be facing criticism of how they handled particular scenarios."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• administer 
• conduct 
• control 
• discuss 
• employ 
• exercise 
• govern 
• operate 
• play 
• serve 
• supervise 
• take 
• treat 
• use 
• utilize 
• work