Handful
/ˈhændfʊl/
Definitions
3 meaningsAn amount or quantity that can be held in one hand.
/ˈhændfʊl/
A quantity that can be held in the hand.
He brought a handful of snacks to the picnic.
💡 Simply: Imagine scooping something up in your hand – that's a handful! Like when you grab a bunch of grapes.
👶 For kids: A handful is a little bit of something that you can hold in your hand.
More Examples
She gathered a handful of colorful leaves.
The baker added a handful of chocolate chips to the batter.
How It's Used
"She picked up a handful of sand."
"Add a handful of chopped herbs to the sauce."
A very small number or amount of people or things.
/ˈhændfʊl/
A small number of people or things.
A handful of students passed the test.
💡 Simply: It's like saying 'a few' – not many! Like, 'There were only a handful of kids at the park today.'
👶 For kids: When you say 'handful', it means there are only a few things or people.
More Examples
He had a handful of coins in his pocket.
There were only a handful of seats left in the theater.
How It's Used
"Only a handful of people attended the event."
"The senator had a handful of loyal supporters."
A person or thing that is difficult to manage or control.
/ˈhændfʊl/
A difficult or troublesome person or thing.
The puppy was a handful, always running and jumping.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, something is a 'handful' because it's hard to deal with. Think of a pet who's always running around.
👶 For kids: If something is a handful, it's tricky or hard to handle.
More Examples
The new project is proving to be a handful due to its complexity.
My little brother is a handful sometimes.
How It's Used
"The energetic toddler could be a handful at times."
"Dealing with that demanding client can be a real handful."
Idioms & expressions
have a handful
To have something that is difficult to manage or control; to be dealing with a troublesome person or situation.
"The teacher has a handful of students who are always disruptive."
From Old English *handfull*, a compound of 'hand' and 'full'.
The word 'handful' has been used since Old English to describe the quantity held in a hand.
Memory tip
Think of filling your hand with something.
Word Origin
"The amount that the hand can hold."