handful

The word “handful” means the amount that fits in one hand, or a small number of something. In plain terms, a small amount you can hold in one hand, or (informally) a person or task that is hard to manage.

“Handful” is pronounced HAN-fuul (/ˈhæn(d)fʊl/ in IPA).

Here is “handful” used in a sentence: “She grabbed a handful of almonds on her way out.”

Words with a similar meaning to “handful” include handbreadth and handsbreadth.

“Handful” is a noun.

The word “handful” comes from Old English. From Old English handfull, a compound of hand and full.

“Handful” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Handful” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the amount that fits in one hand, or a small number of something.

"A handful" means a small number of something, roughly the amount that fits in one hand, and often stresses how small the quantity is. "A few" also means a small number but is more neutral and lacks the image of holding something in the hand.

"Handful" describes someone or something difficult to manage or control, as in "that toddler is a real handful." In this sense it refers not to quantity but to the effort of coping with a lively or demanding person.

"Handful" is grammatically singular and can take a singular verb, as in "a handful of people was chosen," though "were" is also widely accepted when the emphasis is on the individuals. The plural form is "handfuls."

Both refer to the amount that fits in one hand, but "fistful" suggests a tightly clenched hand grabbing something, often cash. "Handful" is more neutral and also carries the extra meaning of a small number or a person who is hard to manage.