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
come in handy
2 of 2phrase
variants
or come in useful/helpful
: to turn out to be useful when needed
A pocketknife can come in handy.
A little extra money would come in useful right now.
Cite this Entry
“Handy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handy. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.
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