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

But overall it was a positive review, and Rabo praised McClain’s “high skill in sourcing and handling cattle.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

On the left, Marine Tondelier of the Ecologists said the affair was a "symbol of a politico-judicial system incapable of handling the issue of sexist and sexual violence".

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Musk has offered to fund a private prosecution against the police over its handling of the murder, and insulted the Hampshire Police force.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

However, she admitted that her enthusiasm about homeownership soon changed into fear at handling the many responsibilities that come with buying a property, including maintenance of the home and all the bills that are involved.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

“Olivia. Zach’s handling financial matters. I’m covering logistics.”

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

Related Words

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