handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

1

a

: conveniently near

b

: convenient for use

c

of a ship : easily handled

2

: clever in using the hands especially in a variety of useful ways

handy with a hammer as well as with a paintbrush

handiness noun

Synonyms

• accessible
• convenient
• reachable

Examples of handy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Those lessons will come in handy on Sundays in the NFL with exotic blitzes and defensive line versatility serving as the norm at the pro level. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2025

Reduce Food Waste Another handy way to keep your produce fresh for as long as possible is to line your refrigerator's crisper drawer with paper towels. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2025

Having such a wide screen is also handy when viewing large spreadsheets or editing movies. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025

Go ahead and sow the seeds of cucumbers, beans, squash and more plus add transplants of tomatoes, peppers and eggplant to the garden, but keep protective covers handy until at least the middle of March. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing handy

• come in handy
• handy dandy
• handy for

Rhymes for handy

• bandy
• brandy
• candy
• dandy
• grandee
• randy
• shandy

Kids Definition

handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

1

a

: conveniently near

b

: easily handled or used

a handy sloop

a handy reference book

2

: clever in using the hands : dexterous

handy with a needle

Biographical Definition

Handy

biographical name

Han·​dy ˈhan-dē 

W(illiam) C(hristopher) 1873–1958 American blues musician