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

Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan said north Wales' health board is "not a pretty sight" while defending Labour's handling of the NHS in a live Q&A with voters.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

He had been told that instead of having their catchers call pitches, just as they have for the past 150 years, the Marlins’ coaches would be handling that responsibility from the bench.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

ICE agents, who often work in urban settings, had little prior experience handling hostile crowds.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

The appeals court found “the trial court’s handling of the note deprived defendant of his constitutional right to counsel at a critical stage of his trial.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Lev finishes his morning prayers and folds the shawl as if handling a newborn baby.

From "What the Night Sings" by Vesper Stamper

Related Words

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