handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

1

a

: conveniently near

keeps his dictionary handy

b

: convenient for use

a handy little tool

The extra batteries came in handy during the blackout.

c

of a ship : easily handled

2

: clever in using the hands especially in a variety of useful ways

handy with a hammer as well as with a paintbrush

handiness noun

Synonyms of handy

• convenient
• accessible

Examples of handy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The hotel takes care to make sure guests feel acquainted with Lisbon, leaving its own handy city guide—which has plenty of original tips—in each room. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026

Outdoor coffee tables come in handy when hosting but can cost a pretty penny. —Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 28 Apr. 2026

For a few seconds, everyone at Progressive Field — players, umpires, fans, cotton candy vendors — stared at the video board, awaiting the handy diagram that would determine whether the Cleveland Guardians’ lead was in jeopardy. —Zack Meisel, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

Rain chances sit around 40%, meaning not all areas will see wet weather, but residents are advised to keep an umbrella handy. —Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing handy

• come in handy
• handy-dandy
• handy for

Rhymes for handy

• bandy
• brandy
• candy
• dandy
• grandee
• randy
• shandy

Kids Definition

handy

adjective

ˈhan-dē 

handier; handiest

1

a

: conveniently near

b

: easily handled or used

a handy sloop

a handy reference book

2

: clever in using the hands : dexterous

handy with a needle

Biographical Definition

Handy

biographical name

Han·​dy ˈhan-dē 

W(illiam) C(hristopher) 1873–1958 American blues musician