handy

¹

[ han-dee ]

adjective

, hand·i·er, hand·i·est.

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 /

noun

1. HandyW(illiam) C(hristopher)18731958MUSMUSIC: blues musicianMUSIC: songwriter W ( illiam ) C ( hristopher ). 1873–1958, US blues musician and songwriter, esp noted for the song "St Louis Blues"

handy

²

/ ˈhændɪ /

adjective

1. conveniently or easily within reach
2. easy to manoeuvre, handle, or use

   a handy tool

3. skilful with one's hands

Derived Forms

• ˈhandiness, noun

Other Words From

• handi·ness 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

The latest information on travel requirements, coronavirus test results and someday perhaps, proof of vaccinations — all available in one handy place.

From Washington Post

This handy combo tool often comes with an extended, easy-grip handle that allows you to clear the windshield of compact cars and oversize SUVS equally well.

From Popular-Science

Our handy guide will give you five points to consider when buying a case for your iPhone 12, so whether you’re focused on functionality, protection from the harshest conditions, or pure style, we’ll help you find the right case.

From Popular-Science

They also come in handy if you aren’t quite ready to commit to a particular space or to putting in the time to select the perfect piece of furniture.

From Popular-Science

If—or, as Padnos assures us, when—Islamist terror makes its spectacular return, Blindfold will be a handy reference.

From Time

There was a handy distraction in the Che t-shirt the tourist was wearing while celebrating the death.

From The Daily Beast

Before Cuba was shunned and sanctioned, it was a handy place for the randy.

From The Daily Beast

You should look at our summary of benefits,” she continued, directing me to a handy online chart of “coverage examples.

From The Daily Beast

Again, that pre-communion questionnaire sin litmus test might prove handy.

From The Daily Beast

She also was handy, hammering nails into walls and using a heat gun to chisel glue off the floor.

From The Daily Beast

She was so handy with a needle, and allus ready to cut out calico dingusses that the peon gals could sew up.

From Project Gutenberg

Half frantic, I dashed forward, snatching as I did so a rapier from the wall, the only weapon handy.

From Project Gutenberg

Anything thats handy, miss; dont put yourself out of the way on our accounts.

From Project Gutenberg

He had got so that he felt a little lonely when he didn't have Louis the Goon right handy.

From Project Gutenberg

As a preliminary to his courting trip, Bill took a drink from a bottle that he kept handy in his corner.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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