handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

1

a

: conveniently near

b

: convenient for use

c

of a ship : easily handled

2

: clever in using the hands especially in a variety of useful ways

handy with a hammer as well as with a paintbrush

handiness noun

Synonyms

• convenient
• accessible

Examples of handy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s made with airy-soft fabric and finished with a collar, contrast trim, and handy pockets — an easy throw-on for errands, brunch, and other activities. —Toni Sutton, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Which butter dish is best? Room-temperature butter is always easier to spread on bread, rolls, and bagels than butter that’s come right from the fridge, making a butter dish a handy accessory for your kitchen. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025

Naming an action or tactical principle after a specific individual is a handy way to etch yourself into football folklore. —Mark Carey, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025

Keep instant coffee on hand for camping trips, in case of power outages or other emergencies, and even as a handy shortcut when traveling. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing handy

• come in handy
• handy dandy
• handy for

Rhymes for handy

• bandy
• brandy
• candy
• dandy
• grandee
• randy
• shandy

Kids Definition

handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

1

a

: conveniently near

b

: easily handled or used

a handy sloop

a handy reference book

2

: clever in using the hands : dexterous

handy with a needle

Biographical Definition

Handy

biographical name

Han·​dy ˈhan-dē 

W(illiam) C(hristopher) 1873–1958 American blues musician