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

Instead, it can work alongside them, handling high-capacity data traffic in indoor environments and reducing congestion on radio-based systems.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

In separate statements, Garcia and Khanna said that Bondi remains legally obligated to appear before the House Oversight Committee and testify under oath about what they called a “botched” handling of the Epstein investigation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

That loyalty has been obvious, as Bondi put on quite a performance in February during a congressional hearing over her department’s handling of the Epstein files.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026

Environmental Protection Agency to compile a list of insurers based on their handling of wildfire claims.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Oliver wasn’t handling the ball with his usual ease, but at least the game was taking his mind off his life.

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser

Related Words

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