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

Instead, it can work alongside them, handling high-capacity data traffic in indoor environments and reducing congestion on radio-based systems.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

That loyalty has been obvious, as Bondi put on quite a performance in February during a congressional hearing over her department’s handling of the Epstein files.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026

Environmental Protection Agency to compile a list of insurers based on their handling of wildfire claims.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Cal/OSHA said it issued fines totaling $250,000 for “failing to ensure employees used appropriate personal protective equipment when handling explosive ordnances, including grenades.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

And you do seem to have a knack for handling them, Miss Lumley.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

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