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

• 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

The aforementioned jobs reports occupy center stage, but there's a handful of other important releases worth calling out. —Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025

Facing calls to resign or even be removed from office, Adams opted not to run in a crowded Democratic primary against Mamdani, Cuomo and a handful of other candidates. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025

Unlike districts, Ohio charter schools don't receive local property tax revenue, except for a handful of schools, according to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. —Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Sep. 2025

There have been a handful who objectively were better than Fleury, though not many. —Josh Yohe, New York Times, 28 Sep. 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