panhandle

1 of 2

noun

pan·​han·​dle ˈpan-ˌhan-dᵊl How to pronounce panhandle (audio)
: a narrow projection of a larger territory (such as a state)
the Oklahoma Panhandle

panhandle

2 of 2

verb

panhandled; panhandling ˈpan-ˌhan(d)-liŋ How to pronounce panhandle (audio)
-ˌhan-dᵊl-iŋ

intransitive verb

: to stop people on the street and ask for food or money : beg

transitive verb

1
: to accost on the street and beg from
2
: to get by panhandling
panhandler
ˈpan-ˌhan(d)-lər How to pronounce panhandle (audio)
-ˌhan-dᵊl-ər
noun

Examples of panhandle in a Sentence

Noun The Texas Panhandle is the northernmost part of the state. Verb He panhandled for his bus fare. There is a law against panhandling in the subway.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The song mentions a timeshare in Destin, a northwest city located near Pensacola on the panhandle tip of the state. Bryan West, USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2024 The announcement is the latest blow for the steel industry in West Virginia’s northern panhandle. John Raby, Quartz, 15 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for panhandle 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'panhandle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from panhandler, probably from panhandle, noun; from the extended forearm

First Known Use

Noun

1846, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1890, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of panhandle was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near panhandle

Cite this Entry

“Panhandle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/panhandle. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

panhandle

1 of 2 noun
pan·​han·​dle ˈpan-ˌhan-dᵊl How to pronounce panhandle (audio)
: a narrow strip of territory that extends from a larger territory (as a state)
the Texas Panhandle

panhandle

2 of 2 verb
panhandled; panhandling
-ˌhan-(d)liŋ,
-dᵊl-iŋ
: to beg for money on the street
panhandler
-(d)lər How to pronounce panhandle (audio)
-dᵊl-ər
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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