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.

I had just bought a home, and I was hearing a lot of funny stories about handymen and contractors shooting themselves in the foot when it comes to their work.

From New York Times

“We can now, with a few clicks, summon rides and groceries and Chinese takeout and a handyman, all at cut rates,” Desmond writes.

From Washington Post

Carlos Medina, a handyman whose wife worked as O'Connell’s housekeeper, has been charged with his murder.

From Los Angeles Times

Following an arrest in the cleric’s slaying, a handyman confessed to the killing of Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell.

From Los Angeles Times

A handyman whose wife worked as the bishop’s housekeeper has been charged with one count of murder.

From Los Angeles Times

handyman

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

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