ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Handy

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈhæn.di/ · Part of speech adjective

Quick meaning: Handy is an adjective meaning Easy to use, useful.

Meaning

Easy to use, useful.

More Meanings

  1. Nearby, within reach.
  2. Dexterous, skilful. (of a person)
  3. Of a freight ship: having a small cargo capacity (less than 40,000 DWT); belonging to the handysize class.
  4. (childish) The hand.
  5. (MLE, slang) A handgun.
  6. (slang) Physically violent; tending to use one's fists.
  7. (vulgar, slang) A hand job.

Example Sentences

Have you a sheet of paper handy?
Some people regard duct tape as a handy fix-all.
You wouldn’t have a screwdriver handy, would you?
I keep a first-aid kit handy in case of emergency.

Word Forms

Synonyms for handy

Depending on context, synonyms include crafty, wristy, adroit, accessible, convenient.

Antonyms for handy

Common opposites include awkward.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include accessible, convenient, adroit, serviceable, useful, suitable.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.