# handheld

/ˈhændˈhɛɫd/ (US) · /hˈændhɛld/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/handheld
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

describes a device that is small and light enough to be held and used with your hands.

For teachers: designed to be held in the hand while in use; small enough to be portable and operated without a stand or surface. Often used attributively before a noun.

## Examples

- He plays games on a handheld console.
- The warehouse staff use handheld scanners to track every item that enters the building.
- While early computers occupied entire rooms, modern handheld devices possess significantly more processing power and can perform complex calculations in seconds.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.