grab handle

English

Grab handles on a bus

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ændəl

Noun

grab handle (plural grab handles)

1. (graphical user interface) A visual cue indicating where a displayed object can be activated for resizing, etc. using the pointing device.

   Synonym: drag handle

2. A handle that a person can hold onto for support, or to aid access.

   There is a grab handle on the wall by the back door.

   • 1961 March, B.A. Haresnape, “Design on the railway”, in Trains Illustrated, page 145:

     Illustrated are some of the attempts to improve grab-handles, cab-doors, etc., on the various locomotives, so that they are clean in design, free from dirt-collecting ridges and crevices, and of a neat appearance.

   • 2019 October 23, Pip Dunn, “The next king of Scotland”, in Rail, page 53:

     The disabled toilet also incorporates the mandatory nappy-changing table. [...] There is a sturdy grab handle to steady oneself while dealing with 'junior'. Once done, the nappy table flips back very quickly.

Translations

handle to grab onto

• Japanese: 吊り革 (tsurikawa)

References

• “grab handle”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.