noun
Common
handful
HAN-fuul
Handful (noun) means the amount that fits in one hand, or a small number of something. Example: “He tossed a handful of seeds onto the lawn for the birds.”
noun
1
The amount that fits in one hand, or a small number of something.
"He tossed a handful of seeds onto the lawn for the birds."
"She grabbed a handful of almonds on her way out."
"Only a handful of people showed up to the meeting."
2
Someone or something that is difficult to manage or control.
"That puppy is a handful, chewing every shoe in the house."
"My little brother was a handful when he was five."
"Her toddler can be a real handful at bedtime."
How to use handful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small amount you can hold in one hand, or (informally) a person or task that is hard to manage.
Common pairings
a handful of people
a real handful
a handful of nuts
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Word forms
- Plural
- handfuls, handsful
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He tossed a _____ of seeds onto the lawn for the birds.
Etymology
From Old English handfull, a compound of hand and full.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “handful” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “handful”?
“Handful” is pronounced HAN-fuul (/ˈhæn(d)fʊl/ in IPA).
How do you use “handful” in a sentence?
Here is “handful” used in a sentence: “She grabbed a handful of almonds on her way out.”
What is another word for “handful”?
Words with a similar meaning to “handful” include handbreadth and handsbreadth.
What part of speech is “handful”?
“Handful” is a noun.
Where does the word “handful” come from?
The word “handful” comes from Old English. From Old English handfull, a compound of hand and full.
Is “handful” a common word?
“Handful” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “handful” have?
“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.
What is the difference between "a handful" and "a few"?
"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.
When does "handful" mean difficult to manage?
"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.
Is "handful" singular or plural?
"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."
What is the difference between "handful" and "fistful"?
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.
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