handling

noun

han·​dling ˈhan-dᵊl-iŋ 

ˈhan(d)-liŋ

1

a

: the action of one that handles something

b

: a process by which something is handled in a commercial transaction

especially : the packaging and shipping of an object or material (as to a consumer)

2

: the manner in which something is treated (as in a musical, literary, or art work)

Synonyms

• management
• operation
• control
• administration
• supervision
• stewardship
• oversight
• direction
• government
• governance

Examples of handling in a Sentence

These items require careful handling.

There are additional charges for shipping and handling.

The car's handling was smooth.

Recent Examples on the Web

Respondents gave roughly the same marks to Trump's handling of the economy and foreign affairs as his overall job performance, coming in at 37% and 39% approvals, respectively. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025

Parents expressed concerns and criticism over the handling of the situation, praising Gonzalez's impact on the school community. —Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Leonard has a ton of skill and can break shifts open with his puck handling, often taking pucks to the net with his skilled plays. —Corey Pronman, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025

Roughly half of independents approve of his handling of crime, compared with about 3 in 10 who approve of his handling of the economy, immigration and the Russia-Ukraine war. —Jill Colvin, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing handling

• shipping and handling
• special handling

Rhymes for handling

• candling
• mishandling