Definitions

handyman

[han-dee-man] / ˈhæn diˌmæn /

NOUN

jack-of-all-trades

Synonyms

STRONGEST

helper

WEAK

hired man man-of-all-work

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for handyman?

A handyman (plural handymen) is a person who can be hired to do various small jobs (often called odd jobs), especially in a home, apartment building, or office building. A similar word is repairman, and handymen are often hired to repair things, but they also offer other services, such as maintenance or small-scale construction or renovation. Handymen are known for doing any job that needs to be done and having experience and knowledge in many areas. For this reason, a handyman is often referred to as a jack-of-all-trades (the much less common man-of-all-work means the same thing). This often implies that they are generalists, rather than specialists in a particular area, such as plumbing or roofing.

What is a better, gender-neutral word for handyman?

Despite its use of man, the word handyman is often used regardless of gender. The term handyperson is a gender-neutral alternative, but it’s not commonly used. The term handywoman can be used to refer to a woman in this role. Handyman is the most common way of referring to such a person, and there aren’t common terms that mean the exact same thing. Handymen are often independent contractors, meaning they don’t work for a company but instead offer their services as part of their own business, so this is one potential alternative for the word handyman. Another is general contractor, though this may suggest someone who takes on larger projects.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Later that evening, she was moved even more when her boyfriend, Max Mineer, bonded with his feline soulmate, Handyman.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 18, 2025

Daniel Edwards, who owns a Handyman Connection franchise in Hanover, Massachusetts, focuses on small jobs that are several thousand dollars, like building decks, swapping out windows and doors and carpentry projects.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 27, 2022

If you want to do this yourself, there are YouTube videos available for some models, and Family Handyman also has a useful guide online.

From Washington Post • Aug. 8, 2022

Underwriters Laboratories, Intertek, and CSA Group are among the most respected independent testing organizations that provide such certification, according to Family Handyman.

From Fox News • Jan. 10, 2022

He was no longer dressed in his clerical garb, but was plain John Handyman in rough work-a-day clothes.

From The Unknown Wrestler by Cody, H. A. (Hiram Alfred)

handyman

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Related Words