handheld

adjective

hand·​held ˈhan(d)-ˌheld 

-ˈheld

: held in the hand

especially : designed to be operated while being held in the hand

handheld computers

handheld

ˈhan(d)-ˌheld 

noun

Examples of handheld in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Users can also detach its pod and handheld attachments, including upholstery and crevice tools, to tackle hard-to-reach spaces (like baseboards and windowsills) and furniture with ease. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025

Its measured compositions are broken up by a single, handheld moment of intensity the very second the plot turns, but little beyond this point is imbued with chaos or unpredictability — even of the subtle variety. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 16 Feb. 2025

The handheld vac—compact, lightweight, and inexpensive—has come a long way in recent years. —Molly Higgins, WIRED, 7 Feb. 2025

With handheld ultrasound devices, rural clinics and primary care offices can now perform high-quality imaging previously reserved for major hospitals. —William Mullane, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for handheld

• barrelled
• beheld
• chiselled
• compelled
• dispelled
• excelled
• expelled
• impelled
• marvelled
• misspelled
• modelled
• panelled

Kids Definition

handheld

adjective

hand·​held -ˌheld 

: held in the hand

especially : designed to be used while being held in the hand

a handheld computer

handheld noun