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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of handling

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

Example Sentences

And if so, how have you been handling it?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

However, earlier versions of piezoelectric converters have had difficulty maintaining efficiency and delivering sufficient power when handling large voltage differences.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

An independent consultant and member of the British Numismatic Trade Association has provided a condition report describing the coin as having "a good cameo appearance" with "light hairlines and handling scuffs throughout".

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Issues to watch include the handling of Iran’s stock of enriched uranium, which Trump wants handed over.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

It felt a tinge awkward handling all these frills, but I’d laundered enough of my mama’s linens to know what was what.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Related Words

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