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

"In the long run, it may well be competing to become the container handling hub in the entire Indo-Pacific region," Joshi said, rivalling Singapore and Malaysia's Port Klang.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

The limited nature of the outbreak and Oceanwide’s handling of the situation could put some travelers at ease, industry executives said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

Still, Hoppock said, CBP had overstepped in its aggressive handling of the matter, which he called “really something.”

From Salon • May 14, 2026

Another surveillance video showed the same red Hyundai arriving at an apartment block, with Evans handling suitcases believed to belong to Beyoncé choreographer Christopher Grant and dancer Diandre Blue.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

As soon as he’s gone again, Mom’s mood will crash and David, me, and Justin will be handling everything she can’t.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Related Words

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