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

• administration
• care
• charge
• conduct
• control
• direction
• governance
• government
• guidance
• intendance
• management
• operation
• oversight
• presidency
• regulation
• running
• stewardship
• superintendence
• superintendency
• supervision

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

Hours before he was announced as the sole finalist for the University of Florida’s top job last Sunday, Ono was booed during a commencement address in Ann Arbor over his handling of campus protests. —Ian Hodgson, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025

Just 40 percent of Americans approved of his handling of the economy, while 56 percent disapproved. —Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025

Sixty percent of adults disapprove of Trump's handling of issues related to colleges and universities, the poll results found, with Democrats and independents substantially more displeased with the policies. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 10 May 2025

The Trump administration is considering releasing the audio of former President Joe Biden's interview with special counsel Robert Hur during Hur's 2023 investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents, sources familiar with the matter confirm to ABC News. —Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 8 May 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