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

• accessible
• convenient
• reachable

Examples of handy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pierce plays an actual priest brought on board the production as a supervisor, and, without giving too much away, his prior experiences with possession end up coming in handy. —Mike Miller, EW.com, 21 June 2024

This cosmic comedy of traveling errors might just come in handy while on the road. —Shannon Carlin, TIME, 21 June 2024

That’s really come into handy as a host and producer of Watch What Happens Live. —Peter White, Deadline, 21 June 2024

Researchers point out that this ability to widen blood vessels comes in handy during situations where blood flow and oxygen are low, like during a heart attack. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 18 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing handy

• come in handy
• handy dandy
• handy for

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