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

The videos, which are projected to fill a single wall, were shot with two iPhone 15s mounted together in a handheld jig, producing two images, one for each eye. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

So even if the Switch 2’s frame rate is unsteady, the handheld screen will hide the stutters and dips. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026

As my mind drifted, the sound of a breeze, created by handheld fans, filled the room. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Video from the scene showed law enforcement officers taking cover behind patrol SUVs on the street near the home as a small tactical team behind a handheld shield moved toward the structure. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for handheld

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

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