handheld

adjective

hand·​held ˈhan(d)-ˌheld How to pronounce handheld (audio)
-ˈheld
: held in the hand
especially : designed to be operated while being held in the hand
handheld computers
handheld noun

Examples of handheld in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Use a Steamer Using a handheld clothing steamer is probably the most popular alternative to traditional ironing. Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2025 Returning to a solely home console or handheld game system would be baffling (though handheld- or console-only variants like the Nintendo Switch Lite aren't out of the question as alternative models). Will Greenwald, PCMAG, 19 Mar. 2025 Sean Brozek, 30, was arrested on Monday and charged with reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, following too closely resulting in an accident, failure to move over for an emergency vehicle and operating a motor vehicle while using a handheld device, according to the Connecticut State Police. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025 Dust Buster Instead of reaching for your full size vacuum for daily messes, check out this handheld version. Toni Sutton, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for handheld

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handheld was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handheld.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handheld. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

handheld

adjective
hand·​held -ˌheld How to pronounce handheld (audio)
: held in the hand
especially : designed to be used while being held in the hand
a handheld computer
handheld noun

More from Merriam-Webster on handheld

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!