# handling

/ˈhændəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /hˈændlɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/handling
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. physical touch or moving

noun · CEFR B2

the act of touching, holding, or moving something with your hands.

For teachers: the physical act of touching, manipulating, or transporting an object with the hands.

- The box was marked 'Fragile' to ensure careful handling during the move.
- Improper handling of the delicate laboratory equipment resulted in a series of hairline fractures that compromised the entire experiment.

Usage: Often used regarding fragile items or food safety.

### 2. vehicle control

noun · CEFR B2

the way a car or bicycle responds to the person driving or riding it.

For teachers: the responsive characteristics of a vehicle in terms of steering, stability, and cornering.

- The new sports car has excellent handling on wet roads.
- The driver praised the car's responsive handling, noting how effortlessly it maintained its line through the sharpest hairpins of the mountain pass.

### 3. managing a situation

noun · CEFR B2

the way someone deals with a difficult situation or person.

For teachers: the management or treatment of a specific situation, person, or problem.

- The manager's handling of the customer's complaint was very professional.
- The government's handling of the economic crisis was met with widespread criticism from both the public and the financial sector.

### 4. artistic style

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the way an artist uses a brush or tool to create a specific look.

For teachers: the specific manner or style in which an artist applies paint or uses a tool.

- The painter is famous for his rough handling of the oil paint.
- The critic noted that the artist's bold handling of the brush gave the portrait a sense of raw energy that was lacking in his earlier works.

## Examples

- The driver praised the car for its smooth handling.
- The manager's careful handling of the delicate situation prevented a major argument between the two teams.
- Art critics often examine the artist's handling of the brush to determine the authenticity of a painting from that period.

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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.