handle
noun · verb
Simple meaning
The part of an object which is held in the hand when used or moved.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
handuhlSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈhændəl
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
The part of an object which is (designed to be) held in the hand when used or moved.
An instrument for effecting a purpose (either literally or figuratively); a tool, or an opportunity or pretext.
gambling
The gross amount of wagering within a given period of time or for a given event at one of more establishments.
us
A half-gallon (1.75-liter) bottle of alcohol.
ukinformal
A traditional dimpled glass with a handle, for serving a pint of beer.
verb
Touch, lift, or hold with the hands
transitive
To touch; to feel or hold with the hand(s).
transitive
To manage, use, or wield with the hands.
transitive
To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy and sell.
intransitive
To behave in a particular way when handled (managed, controlled, directed).
transitive
To treat, to deal with (in a specified way).
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- A2 · Elementary
- Frequency
- Common
- Typical Use
- Everyday English
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: The part of an object which is (designed to be) held in the hand when used or moved.
Used this way, handle is a reasonably familiar word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. It usually sounds natural in a wide range of settings.
- Emotional tone
- Neutral
- Formality
- Neutral
- Intensity
- Not strongly marked
- How common
- Moderately common
- Connotation
- Matter-of-fact
- Usage feel
- Neutral and straightforward
Nearby words
- handgrip , rarer, so it draws attention
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
More ways to use handle
- “He grabbed the hammer by the handle.”noun
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Common Patterns and Combinations
How this word naturally appears with others.
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Similar Words, What’s the Difference?
Close in meaning, but not always interchangeable.
Word Family
Related forms, grouped by how they connect.
Inflected forms
Grammatical variations of the same word.
Manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something.
Having a usually specified type of handle.
One who trains or exhibits animals.
Compound terms
Established multiword terms.
Handle with great care and sensitivity.
The cost of handling (especially the cost of packaging and mailing an order).
The cost of handling (especially the cost of packaging and mailing an order).
A large bushy moustache (with hair growing sometimes down the sides of the mouth).
The handle of a hoe.
Marine clam having a long narrow curved thin shell.
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