pan·han·dle
ˈpan-ˌhan-dᵊl 
: a narrow projection of a larger territory (such as a state)
the Oklahoma Panhandle
panhandled; panhandling
ˈpan-ˌhan(d)-liŋ
-ˌhan-dᵊl-iŋ
: to stop people on the street and ask for food or money : beg
Examples of panhandle in a Sentence
Noun
The Texas Panhandle is the northernmost part of the state.
Verb
He panhandled for his bus fare.
There is a law against panhandling in the subway.
Recent Examples on the Web
Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
Nine tropical storms hit the state's panhandle or the western coast during those years.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2025
Huddled in layers of blankets just beneath that sign — which those who know the neighborhood said appeared no more than a week or so ago — stood Thomas Gonzales, 38, homeless for three years, panhandling on that corner for about a month.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for panhandle
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Noun
The 1st District, in the state's western panhandle, was represented previously by former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who resigned last November.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
Nine tropical storms hit the state's panhandle or the western coast during those years.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
Explore Destin Seagrove, Florida The 24-mile stretch of Florida panhandle coastline along Scenic Highway 30A has been picking up steam as a top vacation destination for travelers from the South and beyond.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2025
Huddled in layers of blankets just beneath that sign — which those who know the neighborhood said appeared no more than a week or so ago — stood Thomas Gonzales, 38, homeless for three years, panhandling on that corner for about a month.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for panhandle
Cite this Entry
“Panhandle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/panhandle. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
panhandle
1 of 2 noun
pan·han·dle
ˈpan-ˌhan-dᵊl
: a narrow strip of territory that extends from a larger territory (as a state)
the Texas Panhandle
panhandle
2 of 2 verb
panhandled; panhandling
-ˌhan-(d)liŋ,
-dᵊl-iŋ
: to beg for money on the street
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