handle
Americannoun
-
a part of a thing made specifically to be grasped or held by the hand.
-
that which may be held, seized, grasped, or taken advantage of in effecting a purpose.
The clue was a handle for solving the mystery.
-
Slang.
-
a person's name, especially the given name.
-
a person's alias, nickname, or code name.
-
a username, as on a social media website.
What's your Twitter handle?
-
a name or term by which something is known, described, or explained.
-
-
the total amount wagered on an event, series of events, or for an entire season or seasons, as at a gambling casino or in horse racing.
The track handle for the day was over a million dollars.
-
the total amount of money taken in by a business concern on one transaction, sale, event, or series of transactions, or during a specific period, especially by a theater, nightclub, sports arena, resort hotel, or the like.
-
hand.
-
Informal. a way of getting ahead or gaining an advantage.
The manufacturer regards the new appliance as its handle on the Christmas market.
verb (used with object)
-
to touch, pick up, carry, or feel with the hand or hands; use the hands on; take hold of.
-
to manage, deal with, or be responsible for.
My wife handles the household accounts.
This computer handles all our billing.
-
to use or employ, especially in a particular manner; manipulate.
to handle color expertly in painting.
-
to manage, direct, train, or control.
to handle troops.
-
to deal with (a subject, theme, argument, etc.).
The poem handled the problem of instinct versus intellect.
-
to deal with or treat in a particular way.
to handle a person with tact.
-
to deal or trade in.
to handle dry goods.
verb (used without object)
idioms
-
get / have a handle on, to acquire an understanding or knowledge of.
Can you get a handle on what your new boss expects?
-
fly off the handle, to become very agitated or angry, especially without warning or adequate reason.
I can't imagine why he flew off the handle like that.
noun
-
the part of a utensil, drawer, etc, designed to be held in order to move, use, or pick up the object
-
a glass beer mug with a handle
-
slang a person's name or title
-
a CB radio slang name for call sign
-
an opportunity, reason, or excuse for doing something
his background served as a handle for their mockery
-
the quality, as of textiles, perceived by touching or feeling
-
the total amount of a bet on a horse race or similar event
-
informal to become suddenly extremely angry
verb
-
to pick up and hold, move, or touch with the hands
-
to operate or employ using the hands
the boy handled the reins well
-
to have power or control over
my wife handles my investments
-
to manage successfully
a secretary must be able to handle clients
-
to discuss (a theme, subject, etc)
-
to deal with or treat in a specified way
I was handled with great tact
-
to trade or deal in (specified merchandise)
-
(intr) to react or respond in a specified way to operation or control
the car handles well on bends
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
handlelessadjective
-
handledadjective
-
prehandleverb (used with object)
-
overhandleverb (used with object)
-
rehandleverb (used with object)
-
handleabilitynoun
-
handleableadjective
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
have handledperfect
-
has handledperfect 3rd person singular
-
am handlingprogressive 1st person singular
-
has been handlingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
have been handlingperfect progressive
-
is handlingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
are handlingprogressive
-
handlingparticiple
-
handlessingular 3rd person
Past
-
had handledperfect
-
was handlingprogressive singular
-
had been handlingperfect progressive
-
were handlingprogressive plural
-
handledparticiple
-
handledsimple
Future
Etymology
Origin of handle
First recorded before 900; (noun) Middle English handel, Old English hand(e)le, derivative of hand ; (verb) Middle English handelen, Old English handlian (cognate with German handlen, Old Norse hǫndla “to seize”), derivative of the noun
Explanation
To handle something is to control it, the way an elephant handler might handle an elephant, or the way you would use a handle to lift a suitcase. If you're panicking, a friend might suggest you "get a handle on yourself." How to get a handle on the word handle? Start with the thumb. Much like the word “thimble” is derived from “thumb,” “handle” essentially refers to an object held "in hand," or placed under your control. Handle can also have a more abstract meaning, such as understanding or grasping a concept. You should be able to handle geometry before you start trig, right? A handle is also slang for a nickname. "What's your handle?" is another way of saying "What's your name?"
Vocabulary lists containing handle
Mother's Day Words: What Mothers Do
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Macbeth's "Is this a dagger..." soliloquy
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Digging" by Seamus Heaney
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A nurse practitioner assisted by diagnostic AI, for instance, can handle cases that once required a physician.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
Slaven said the VA “is building up crucial infrastructure required to handle an increased veteran population.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
The modest early move came after Tesla released safety data on Dutch drivers using the company’s Full Self-Driving product, which can handle most driving tasks but still requires 100% driver supervision.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
The Fukushima mayor said officials also saw the bear drinking water from a tap, adding it may have turned the handle itself, and describing it as being "extremely intelligent."
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
I hooked the pail’s handle under my fingers and went to the door with it.
From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
