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

The US military pilot is limited to handling rather than firing weapons, Pathak says, though weaponisation is part of the testing in Ukraine.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

At peak performance, SpaceX said the satellite would be capable of handling 150 kilowatts of AI computing.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

When he played for Ajax, he was criticized for his “poor ball handling and unorthodox style” by legends such as Wesley Sneijder, who called him “the worst defensive player in the Dutch league.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

To acquaintances at auctions, McClain said his edge was keeping death rates low, from know-how handling sick and scared calves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 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