handy

¹ American  

[han-dee] / ˈhæn di /

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

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Handy ² American  

[han-dee] / ˈhæn di /

noun

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

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handy ¹ British  

/ ˈhændɪ /

adjective

1. conveniently or easily within reach

2. easy to manoeuvre, handle, or use

   a handy tool

3. skilful with one's hands

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Handy ² British  

/ ˈhændɪ /

noun

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

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handy Idioms  

1. see come in handy.

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Related Words

See dexterous.

Other Word Forms

• handiness noun

Etymology

Origin of handy

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

Example Sentences

But Apple’s more disciplined approach to AI spending is coming in handy in a week like this.

From MarketWatch

Papa was handy too, carving up tops and other toys for us.

From Literature

That coaster originally came with a nobler purpose, which is why I keep it handy and in plain sight as a prod to my own civic conscience.

From The Wall Street Journal

The issues in here are topical around the globe, yet it’s handy to go in knowing that Thailand has its own history of deadly crackdowns against liberal activists.

From Los Angeles Times

The extra clothes would have come in handy.

From Literature

Related Words

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