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

Toyota has paid millions of dollars in fines over the years to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, another DOT agency, over emissions violations and the company’s handling of recalls.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

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

From Salon • May 14, 2026

Jay, who’s handling the case on appeal, told me that Uthmeier raised two related arguments.

From Slate • May 13, 2026

“Good night, Ophelia. I promise, there will come a time when your Aunt Sarah and I will teach you more about handling haints. For now, please, for the love of all, leave those ghosts be.”

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

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