handful

noun

hand·​ful ˈhan(d)-ˌfu̇l How to pronounce handful (audio)
plural handfuls ˈhan(d)-ˌfu̇lz How to pronounce handful (audio) also handsful ˈhan(d)z-ˌfu̇l How to pronounce handful (audio)
Synonyms of handfulnext
1
: as much or as many as the hand will grasp
2
: a small quantity or number
a handful of people
3
: as much as one can manage
the kids are quite a handful

Synonyms of handful

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Examples of handful in a Sentence

The children collected seashells by the handful. Our dog is a real handful.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Following Real Genius, Meyrink appeared in a handful of productions before stepping away from acting. — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026 Outside of Europe, so far only Jordan – one of a handful of countries not to have signed a letter of support for Infantino’s reelection prior to this crisis – has publicly called for Infantino’s resignation. — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026 For companies that have to hire a handful of new workers every year across 20 or 50 departments or functions, the math doesn’t work. — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Nine attendees at Thursday’s commission meeting spoke in opposition of the new ordinance, including a handful of Gullah Geechee residents. — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handful

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of handful was before the 12th century

Rhymes for handful

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Browse Nearby Words

hand frame
handful
hand gallop
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handful. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

handful

noun
hand·​ful ˈhan(d)-ˌfu̇l How to pronounce handful (audio)
plural handfuls -ˌfu̇lz How to pronounce handful (audio) also handsful ˈhan(d)z-ˌfu̇l How to pronounce handful (audio)
1
: as much or as many as the hand will grasp
a handful of jelly beans
2
: a small quantity or number
a handful of people
3
: as much as one can control or manage
the three babies are quite a handful

More from Merriam-Webster on handful

Nglish: Translation of handful for Spanish Speakers

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