handyman
Americannoun
noun
-
a man employed to do various tasks
-
a man skilled in odd jobs, etc
Gender
See -man.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of handyman
Explanation
Someone who's good at many things, especially fixing things around the house, can be called a handyman. If you need help unclogging a drain and repairing a hole in a window screen, you should call a handyman. A handyman knows how to do minor repairs and odd jobs, and either tackles these on weekends in his own home or advertises his skills and is employed by other people. These days, it's not uncommon to use the word handyperson instead, since it includes both men and women who are handy at fixing and building things. In any case, a handyman or handyperson doesn't specialize in one skill, but dabbles in many.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In retirement, I figured, my wealth of time would shift my inner handyman into high gear.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026
The handyman initially filed the lawsuit in 2023, alleging unsafe working conditions, unpaid wages and wrongful termination.
From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026
Perpetually in the Belchers’ orbit is Teddy — handyman, loyal customer and Bob’s best friend.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 28, 2025
Travis Russell, the 40-year-old Jesuit priest who’s president at Verbum Dei High, was carrying around a Craftsman tool box as if he were the school’s handyman.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 3, 2025
He caught creatures to protect the Unremarkables around Harlem under the guise of a handyman.
From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
