Handle — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈhan-dᵊl/ han·dle

Meaning & Definition of Handle

Handle (noun)

  1. a part that is designed especially to be grasped by the hand
  2. something that resembles a handle
  3. title

Handle (verb)

  1. to try or examine (as by touching, feeling, or moving) with the hand
  2. to manage with the hands
  3. to deal with in writing or speaking or in the plastic arts

Handle (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently

    "as host of a live TV talk show, she must handle any situation that comes up"

  2. to behave toward in a stated way

    "handles all requests professionally, even when customers are rude"

  3. to control the mechanical operation of

    "learned how to handle basic woodworking power tools"

    similar: operate, run, work
  4. to look after and make decisions about

    "she takes care of the flower beds, and he handles all the lawn care"

  5. to put up with (something painful or difficult)

    "I can't handle much more of this foul weather"

  6. to be in charge of

    "I'll be handling the team's workouts while the leader is on vacation"

Handle (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a part by which an implement is held

    "was given a set a steak knives with wooden handles"

    similar: grip, haft, handgrip, helve
  2. a word or combination of words by which a person or thing is regularly known

    "likes to go by the handle Champ"

  3. a descriptive or familiar name given instead of or in addition to the one belonging to an individual

    "since it seemed decreed that every new firefighter have a handle, his was soon Hulk"

Related Entry: Fly off the handle (phrase)

Fly off the handle is a different word from Handle. The synonyms below are for fly off the handle, not for handle.

  1. to become very angry

    "The manager flew off the handle when another customer complaint was called in."

Related Entry: Flown off the handle (phrase)

Flown off the handle is a different word from Handle. The synonyms below are for flown off the handle, not for handle.

  1. to become very angry

    "The manager flew off the handle when another customer complaint was called in."

Related Entry: Flew off the handle (phrase)

Flew off the handle is a different word from Handle. The synonyms below are for flew off the handle, not for handle.

  1. to become very angry

    "The manager flew off the handle when another customer complaint was called in."

Related Entry: Flies off the handle (phrase)

Flies off the handle is a different word from Handle. The synonyms below are for flies off the handle, not for handle.

  1. to become very angry

    "The manager flew off the handle when another customer complaint was called in."

Related Entry: Flying off the handle (phrase)

Flying off the handle is a different word from Handle. The synonyms below are for flying off the handle, not for handle.

  1. to become very angry

    "The manager flew off the handle when another customer complaint was called in."

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Handle

The most common words with a similar meaning to Handle:

Chiefly dialect: bide
British: wear

Near Antonyms of Handle

Word Forms of Handle

Inflections: handled, handling

Derived words: handled (adjective), handleless (adjective), handleable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Handle

Middle English handel, from Old English handle; akin to Old English hand

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Handle

Words & Phrases Containing Handle

Frequently Asked Questions about Handle

What does "Handle" mean?

"Handle" means a part that is designed especially to be grasped by the hand. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a part that is designed especially to be grasped by the hand. It has 9 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Handle"?

Other words for "Handle" include address, contend (with), cope (with), field, grapple (with), hack, manage and maneuver. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Handle" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Handle"?

There are 187 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Handle". Common alternatives include address, contend (with), cope (with), field, grapple (with), hack, manage, maneuver, manipulate and negotiate.

How do you use "Handle" in a sentence?

Examples of "Handle" in a sentence: "as host of a live TV talk show, she must handle any situation that comes up"; "handles all requests professionally, even when customers are rude"; "learned how to handle basic woodworking power tools".

Is "Handle" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Handle" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Handle" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Handle" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Handle"?

"Handle" is pronounced /ˈhan-dᵊl/ and divided into syllables as han·dle.

What is the origin of the word "Handle"?

"Handle" comes from Middle English handel, from Old English handle; akin to Old English hand. First known use: before 12th century.