Handwritten describes something written by hand using a pen, pencil, or similar tool, rather than typed on a keyboard or printed by a machine. A handwritten letter shows the unique curves and slants of someone's personal writing style, called their handwriting or penmanship.

Before typewriters and computers became common, many things were handwritten: letters, school assignments, business records, and books. Monks in medieval Europe spent years copying books by hand, one page at a time. The Declaration of Independence exists as a handwritten document, carefully penned with a quill and ink in 1776.

Today, a lot of writing happens on screens, but handwritten notes still matter. Teachers might ask you to show your work in handwritten form on a math test. A handwritten thank-you note often feels more personal and thoughtful than an email. Some studies suggest that taking handwritten notes in class, rather than typing, can help students remember information better.

Your handwriting is as unique as your fingerprint. Experts called handwriting analysts can sometimes identify who wrote something by studying the distinctive way they form their letters. Banks use signature verification because no two people write exactly alike. A handwritten message carries something of the writer with it: their effort, their time, and their individual mark on the page.