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

The lack of an intelligent battery management system, use of defective or incompatible chargers and improper handling or charging are leading to lithium-ion battery failure. —John Orlando, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2025

Meanwhile, for time-sensitive shipments, Priam provides fast and reliable transport with priority handling through Air Freight solutions. —William Mullane, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025

His office has helped secure federal funding for West Side flooding and planned the city’s handling of major events like Lollapalooza and the first two NASCAR street races. —Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025

However, water handling revenues decreased due to lower volumes. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 12 Feb. 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