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.
The Coast Guard said one of the boaters was able to grab a handheld radio to call for help before the boat capsized. Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 1 Jan. 2026 Where wobbles would start to make high magnification binoculars unusable without a tripod, IS makes these magnifications entirely usable with handheld observations. Harry Bennett, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2026 Opt for this set of Rubbermaid food storage containers to keep meal prep and leftovers fresh and organized in the fridge, then grab this handheld milk frother to whip creamy foam at home. Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025 The manufacturer had also tried incorporating handheld RFID scanners, but there were limits to the technology, including inconsistent accuracy down to the item level. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 26 Dec. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handheld.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handheld. Accessed 5 Jan. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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