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

Inside, more than 120 humanoids stand in neat rows, each performing a specific task repeatedly, from sorting packages or changing diapers to scooping popcorn, guided by human trainers with handheld controllers next to them. — John Liu, CNN Money, 30 June 2026

The singer attended the show dressed in a button-up shirt with sleeves rolled up, white T-shirt and pants, and slouchy bag — and like many attendees, accessorized with a handheld fan in the front row amid the city’s heatwave. — Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 29 June 2026

Parker Kilpatrick, meanwhile, always has a handheld electric fan and a folding hand fan to combat the Texas heat. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026

The handheld optics world is entering a new wave of advancements with the advent of smart binoculars that can identify stars and animals directly through the eyepieces. — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 26 June 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