handle
HAN-dl
Handle (noun) means the part of an object that is designed to be gripped by hand. Example: “The kettle has a plastic handle that stays cool to the touch.”
noun
1
The part of an object that is designed to be gripped by hand.
"The kettle has a plastic handle that stays cool to the touch."
"The handle on the old suitcase finally snapped."
"Turn the door handle slowly so it doesn't creak."
2
A username or nickname someone uses online or over radio.
"Pick a handle that is easy to remember and doesn't give away personal details."
"Over the radio, the lorry driver's handle was Night Owl."
"Her Twitter handle is different from her real name."
verb
1
To touch, hold, or manage something with the hands.
"Wear gloves when you handle the old photographs so they stay clean."
"Please handle the artwork carefully; it's fragile."
"She handled the negotiations herself."
2
To deal with or cope with a situation, person, or emotion.
"Can you handle the pressure of working to such tight deadlines?"
"He didn't know how to handle the bad news."
"She handles stress remarkably well."
How to use handle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe part you grip on an object, an online username, or (as a verb) to manage, touch, or deal with something.
Common pairings
handle with care
handle the situation
a door handle
social media handle
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Word forms
- Plural
- handles
- Third person singular
- handles
- Past tense
- handled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The kettle has a plastic _____ that stays cool to the touch.
Etymology
From Old English handle, related to "hand" — originally the part of a tool meant to be held.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for handle
See all rhymes for handle →Frequently asked questions
What does “handle” mean?
The word “handle” means the part of an object that is designed to be gripped by hand. In plain terms, the part you grip on an object, an online username, or (as a verb) to manage, touch, or deal with something.
How do you pronounce “handle”?
“Handle” is pronounced HAN-dl (/ˈhæn.d(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “handle” in a sentence?
Here is “handle” used in a sentence: “The handle on the old suitcase finally snapped.”
What is another word for “handle”?
Words with a similar meaning to “handle” include deal, feel, finger, manage, touch and treat.
What part of speech is “handle”?
Depending on how it is used, “handle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “handle” come from?
The word “handle” comes from Old English. From Old English handle, related to "hand" — originally the part of a tool meant to be held.
Is “handle” a common word?
“Handle” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “handle” have?
“Handle” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the part of an object that is designed to be gripped by hand.
What is the difference between a handle and a knob?
A handle is usually a longer part you wrap your fingers around and then pull or lift, like a door handle or a suitcase handle. A knob is a small, rounded part you grip and turn, such as a door knob or a drawer knob. Shape and motion are what set them apart.
What are examples of handles?
Handles are everywhere: the lever on a door, the loop on a suitcase, the grip on a knife, the arched part of a mug, and the bar on a shopping trolley. Anywhere an object is designed to be held and moved, there is usually a handle to grip.
What is the difference between a handle and a grip?
A handle is the physical part of an object made to be held. A grip can mean the same thing, but it also refers to how firmly you hold something, or to a textured covering that improves your hold — like the grip on a tennis racket or a bicycle.
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