WordGarden.iohandover
Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈændəʊvə/
US
- /ˈhændoʊvər/
Meanings
Noun
an act of giving control, responsibility, or possession to another person or group
the transfer of a mobile connection from one network cell or channel to another
Beyond the definition
A handover is when something is passed from one person or group to another: responsibility, power, information, work, or even a physical item. Think of a relay race, where one runner passes the baton to the next. In everyday life, this often happens at work when someone leaves a role and explains the job to the next person. You may also hear about a "handover period," the time used to make that change go smoothly.
It also appears in bigger moments. A government may pass power to a new leader after an election. A nurse may finish a shift and give the next nurse the key details about each patient. In each case, the idea is the same: one side steps back, and the other takes over with the right information or control.
The word "handover" describes the act or process of giving something over to another person or group, especially when responsibility or control is involved. It can refer to work, information, authority, property, or a specific duty. Often, the idea is not just that something changes hands, but that the next person is expected to continue with it.
You'll often hear "handover" in professional settings. When an employee leaves, they may prepare a handover for the person replacing them, explaining current tasks, useful contacts, and anything that still needs attention. In hospitals, staff members give handovers between shifts so the next team knows what has happened and what to watch for. In project work, a handover may happen when one team finishes its part and another team takes charge.
The word is also common in politics and public life. A handover of power happens when one leader or government gives control to the next. It can also be used for more concrete things, such as handing over keys, documents, or official control of a building or service.
"Handover" often has a practical tone. It suggests a transfer that should be clear enough for the next person to continue without confusion. Some handovers are formal and carefully planned, while others are brief and routine. In all cases, the core idea is the same: something important is passed on so someone else can take responsibility for it.
Examples
- 1
Apartment keys
We arranged the handover of the apartment keys for Friday morning.
- 2
New manager
There will be a short handover to the new manager before Sara leaves the company.
- Patternhandover to + person
transfer of work or responsibility to that person
- 3
Shift change
Because the report was late, the team had a rushed handover at the end of the shift.
- 4
Patient care
Nurses use the first few minutes of each shift for patient handover.
- Domainpatient handover
sharing important information about patients between medical staff
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Political transition
The agreement set out how power would be transferred during the handover to civilian rule.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
- hand over
Used with (collocations)
- handover of power
- project handover
- patient handover
- handover notes
Explore
- chain of custody
- continuity planning
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- handovernoun