A handyman is someone skilled at making repairs and doing practical work around a house or building. When a drawer stops sliding smoothly, a fence board breaks loose, or a door hinge squeaks, a handyman knows how to fix it. Unlike specialists who focus on one trade like plumbing or electrical work, a handyman can handle many different small jobs: patching drywall, painting rooms, installing shelves, replacing light fixtures, or fixing a leaky faucet.

Today people also use handyperson or simply say someone is handy if they're good at fixing things, regardless of gender. Being handy means you know how to use tools, understand how things work, and can solve practical problems.

Many homeowners call a handyman when they have several small repairs that don't require a specialized contractor. Some people develop handyman skills by learning from family members, watching instructional videos, or simply experimenting and fixing things themselves. Your grandfather who can repair almost anything in the garage, or your neighbor who helps people fix broken gates and wobbly tables, might be considered handy. These skills are valuable throughout life, whether you're fixing your own belongings or helping others solve everyday problems around their homes.