panhandle

1 of 2

noun

pan·​han·​dle ˈpan-ˌhan-dᵊl 

: a narrow projection of a larger territory (such as a state)

the Oklahoma Panhandle

panhandle

2 of 2

verb

panhandled; panhandling ˈpan-ˌhan(d)-liŋ 

-ˌhan-dᵊl-iŋ

intransitive verb

: to stop people on the street and ask for food or money : beg

transitive verb

1

: to accost on the street and beg from

2

: to get by panhandling

panhandler

ˈpan-ˌhan(d)-lər 

-ˌhan-dᵊl-ər

noun

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

Noun

The district, which is located in the state’s western panhandle, includes Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties, along with parts of Walton County. —Julia Manchester, The Hill, 29 Jan. 2025

Snow fell as far south as the Florida panhandle and in Gulf states such as Alabama. —Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025

Verb

The code, which includes provisions barring panhandling and disruptive behavior and will go into effect starting Jan. 27, will be displayed in locations. —Bloomberg News, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025

Track wildfires in real-time Texas panhandle wildfire now the largest in state history. —Ryan Maxin, Austin American-Statesman, 2 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from panhandler, probably from panhandle, noun; from the extended forearm

First Known Use

Noun

1846, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1890, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids 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

panhandler

-(d)lər 

-dᵊl-ər

noun