—handle /ˈhæn.dəl/
noun [C] (PART)
► B2 a part of an object designed for holding, moving, or carrying the object easily: » a door handle» the handle on a suitcase» I can't pick the kettle up - the handle's too hot.» She turned the handle and slowly opened the door.See picture: door handle 
Thesaurus+: ↑Having in your handsWord Builder:–Nouns: handle, handler, handling–Verbs: handle
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Extra Examples:» I just opened the drawer as usual and the handle came away in my hand.» The handle on this door is rather stiff.» Slowly, I turned the door handle.» I picked it up and the handle broke off.» The door handles were made of brass.noun [C] INFORMAL (NAME)
► F0 a name of a person or place, especially a strange one: » That's some handle to go through life with!Thesaurus+: ↑Names and titlesverb (OPERATE) ↑Verb Endings for handle
F0 [T] to operate or control something that could be difficult or dangerous:
» Have you ever handled a gun before?Thesaurus+: ↑Controlling and being in chargeF0 [I usually + adv/prep] If a car handles well, it is easy and pleasant to drive.
Thesaurus+: ↑Driving and operating road vehiclesverb [T] (DEAL WITH) ↑Verb Endings for handle
► B1 to deal with, have responsibility for, or be in charge of: » I thought he handled the situation very well.» Some people are brilliant with computers, but have no idea how to handle (= behave with) other people.» If you can't handle the job I'll get someone else to do it.» Who handles the marketing in your company?Thesaurus+: ↑Dealing with things or people , ↑Acting and acts , ↑Coping and not coping , ↑Tolerating and enduring• • •
Extra Examples:» This is a very delicate situation and it needs to be handled sensitively.» Only some of the bank's lending operations are handled directly by the manager.» The president has been criticized for the way he has handled the whole affair.» The customer services department handles any customer complaints.» So far, he seems to be handling the job well, but it's really too soon to judge.verb [T] (SELL) ↑Verb Endings for handle
► F0 to buy and sell goods: » We only handle cosmetics which have not been tested on animals.» MAINLY UK He's been arrested for handling stolen goods.Thesaurus+: ↑Buying and selling in generalverb [T] (TOUCH) ↑Verb Endings for handle
► C2 to pick something up and touch, hold, or move it with your hands: » Always wash your hands before handling food.» Please don't handle the vases - they're very fragile.Thesaurus+: ↑Touching and feeling , ↑Showing affectionWord Builder:–Nouns: handle, handler, handling–Verbs: handle