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

What happened Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of 85 million Anglicans worldwide, resigned Tuesday amid intense pressure over his handling of a notorious child abuser. —Rafi Schwartz, theweek, 13 Nov. 2024

There will be much to discuss about the film’s handling of trans issues. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2024

Engineers added custom coil-over dampers and control arms for the best handling, and the steering rack was adjusted for proper fit. —Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024

Stewart has been critical of the county's election operations and, at times, toed the line of election denialism, while Navarro has strongly defended the board's handling of elections and sought to cast himself as a defender of democracy. —Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing handling

• shipping and handling
• special handling