handling

American  

[hand-ling] / ˈhænd lɪŋ /

noun

1. a touching, grasping, or using with the hands.

2. the manner of treating or dealing with something; management; treatment.

3. the manual or mechanical method or process by which something is moved, carried, transported, etc.

---

adjective

1. of or relating to the process of moving, transporting, delivering, working with, etc..

   The factory added a 10 percent handling charge for delivery.

handling British  

/ ˈhændlɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or an instance of picking up, turning over, or touching something

2. treatment, as of a theme in literature

3. 1. the process by which a commodity is packaged, transported, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      handling charges

4. law the act of receiving property that one knows or believes to be stolen

---

Etymology

Origin of handling

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English handlung (noun); equivalent to handle + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Reports describe last-minute efforts to hold onto the job and mounting frustration over stalled prosecutions and the handling of high-profile files tied to Jeffrey Epstein.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

But Salesforce has crafted its own unique strategy for the FDE role, opting to selectively deploy FDEs and limiting the types of data some FDEs are tasked with handling.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

The show and its team now fall under the responsibility of OpenAI's public affairs chief Chris Lehane, a veteran Washington lobbyist who made his name handling scandals for the Clinton administration.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Among them was Kentucky lawmaker Thomas Massie, a regular critic of Bondi's handling of the Epstein files.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

He turned the pages slowly and delicately, like he was handling a precious ancient artifact.

From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly

Related Words

• administration
• approach
• care
• conduct
• manipulation
• supervision
• treatment