handful

noun

hand·​ful ˈhan(d)-ˌfu̇l 

plural handfuls ˈhan(d)-ˌfu̇lz  also handsful ˈhan(d)z-ˌfu̇l 

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

• few
• couple

Examples of handful in a Sentence

The children collected seashells by the handful.

Our dog is a real handful.

Recent Examples on the Web

Onion soup mix adds instant savory depth, ketchup brings tangy sweetness, and breadcrumbs hold it all together (give or take a handful, depending on how the mixture feels under your spoon). —Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2025

This winter, adding a talent like Bregman alongside a handful of pitchers could get the Mets back in the postseason. —Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025

The show will return for a handful of episodes in December before going on a midseason hiatus and returning in the new year. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 15 Nov. 2025

And while there are plenty of presents to choose from, only a handful are under $50. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 15 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for handful

• brimful
• mouthful
• roomful
• spoonful
• full
• pull
• wool

Kids Definition

handful

noun

hand·​ful ˈhan(d)-ˌfu̇l 

plural handfuls -ˌfu̇lz  also handsful ˈhan(d)z-ˌfu̇l 

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