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.
Fifteen of those are mounted to Integrity; the other 17 are handheld instruments operated by the astronauts. Mike Wall, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2026 Digital stabilization is available; its default mode works well for handheld recording with camera motion, and there's also a Boost mode that works nearly as well as a monopod for scenes without camera movement. Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 6 Apr. 2026 Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or a handheld mixer), beat the butter in the mixer bowl on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026 Other key inventions from that year include the floppy disk, the first handheld scientific calculator (the HP-35) and the Hacky Sack. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 2 Apr. 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 12 Apr. 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

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