noun

panhandle

PAN-han-duhl

Panhandle (noun) means a narrow strip of land belonging to a larger territory that juts out on a map, resembling the handle of a pan. Example: “The Texas Panhandle stretches out like a rectangle in the state's northwest corner.”

noun

A narrow strip of land belonging to a larger territory that juts out on a map, resembling the handle of a pan.

"The Texas Panhandle stretches out like a rectangle in the state's northwest corner."

verb

To ask strangers for money on the street, often as someone who is homeless.

"He used to panhandle outside the train station before finding work."

How to use panhandle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a narrow strip of land sticking out from a larger area, or (as a verb) to beg for money on the street.

Word forms

panhandled past tense, panhandles plural, panhandles singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The Texas _____ stretches out like a rectangle in the state's northwest corner.

Etymology

Formed from "pan" + "handle" — the geographic sense compares a thin protruding strip of land to the handle of a cooking pan.

Rhymes for panhandle

handle candle

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Frequently asked questions

What does “panhandle” mean?

The word “panhandle” means a narrow strip of land belonging to a larger territory that juts out on a map, resembling the handle of a pan. In plain terms, either a narrow strip of land sticking out from a larger area, or (as a verb) to beg for money on the street.

How do you pronounce “panhandle”?

“Panhandle” is pronounced PAN-han-duhl (/ˈpænˌhæn.dəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “panhandle” in a sentence?

Here is “panhandle” used in a sentence: “The Texas Panhandle stretches out like a rectangle in the state's northwest corner.”

What part of speech is “panhandle”?

Depending on how it is used, “panhandle” can be a noun and a verb.

How many meanings does “panhandle” have?

“Panhandle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a narrow strip of land belonging to a larger territory that juts out on a map, resembling the handle of a pan.