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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.

Although I’m a writer with no talent for handyman projects, Bill always assured me and his other customers that we were up to the task.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

“You never knew if he was going to be having lunch with the former chief of police or his former handyman who came by once a week, and everyone in between.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2025

And the writers always find the sweetest ways to do that, as when Hank finds out his new retirement hobby as a handyman comes with the expectation of free therapy from his younger clients.

From Salon • Aug. 4, 2025

It was at this building that Albert met Paul, a handyman who had recently retired.

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2025

But before I explain that Dad is the absolute last person to fix electrical problems—he once hired a handyman to change a lightbulb—Camille runs into the kitchen.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.