handheld

adjective

hand·​held ˈhan(d)-ˌheld How to pronounce handheld (audio)
-ˈheld
: held in the hand
especially : designed to be operated while being held in the hand
handheld computers
handheld noun

Examples of handheld in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During rehearsals with handheld cameras and angles, the actors were encouraged to capture with high-energy gestures and behaviors how the stop-motion puppets may eventually be shown in motion at 24 frames per second from their miniature set. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 23 Feb. 2026 In the morning, simply shake out the excess and use a handheld vacuum to remove any leftover residue. Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 21 Feb. 2026 State law could also curtail certain types of guns, like the high-capacity, handheld firearm used in the nightclub shooting, Johnson said. Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026 The 7x50 configuration offers a wide, bright field of view that’s forgiving for handheld use, while 10x50 binoculars provide slightly more magnification with the same 50mm objective lens for solid light gathering. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handheld

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handheld was in 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Handheld.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handheld. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

handheld

adjective
hand·​held -ˌheld How to pronounce handheld (audio)
: held in the hand
especially : designed to be used while being held in the hand
a handheld computer
handheld noun

More from Merriam-Webster on handheld

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