handy

¹

[han-dee]

adjective

handier, handiest 

1. within easy reach; conveniently available; accessible.

   The aspirins are handy.

2. convenient or useful.

   A digital thermometer is a handy thing to have at home.

3. skillful with the hands; deft; dexterous.

   a handy person.

   Synonyms: versatile, all-around

4. easily maneuvered.

   a handy ship.

   Synonyms: yare, wieldy, manageable

Handy

²

[han-dee]

noun

1. W(illiam) C(hristopher), 1873–1958, U.S. blues composer.

handy

¹

/ ˈhændɪ /

adjective

1. conveniently or easily within reach

2. easy to manoeuvre, handle, or use

   a handy tool

3. skilful with one's hands

Handy

²

/ ˈhændɪ /

noun

1. W ( illiam ) C ( hristopher ). 1873–1958, US blues musician and songwriter, esp noted for the song "St Louis Blues"

Other Word Forms

• handiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of handy¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English (in surnames); hand, -y ¹

Idioms and Phrases

see come in handy.

Synonym Study

See dexterous.

Example Sentences

Slice, dice, blend, and even make dough in this handy unit, and when you’re all done, all the accessories pack away in the boat for easy, compact storage.

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It seemed to be a handy and informative item.

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My class on the math of outer space came in especially handy.

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There is an overwhelming sense that Scotland's fate on Tuesday does not depend on what the handy Danes do, but what Clarke's team can conjure up and rouse from within themselves.

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Badenoch urged the home secretary to work with the Conservatives, saying she may find their votes would "come in handy" if Labour backbenchers did not support the changes.

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Related Words

• available 
• convenient 
• helpful 
• manageable 
• neat 
• practicable 
• practical 
• profitable 
• useful