Handy describes something useful and convenient, or someone who's skilled at fixing and building things.

A pocket knife is handy because you can use it for dozens of tasks: opening packages, cutting rope, or sharpening a pencil when you're camping. A small flashlight is handy to keep in your backpack. When something is handy, it's there when you need it and makes your life easier.

The word also describes people who are good at practical tasks. Someone who's handy can fix a leaky faucet, build a bookshelf, or repair a bicycle. They know how to use tools and solve problems with their hands. A handy person doesn't need to call a professional for every small repair because they've learned how things work.

You might also hear someone say “keep it handy,” meaning keep it close by where you can easily reach it. If you're working on homework and need your calculator often, you'd want to keep it handy on your desk rather than buried in your backpack. The opposite would be something inconvenient or hard to access when you need it.