handout

1 of 2

noun

hand·​out ˈhand-ˌau̇t How to pronounce handout (audio)
1
: a portion of food, clothing, or money given to or as if to a beggar
2
: a folder or circular of information for free distribution
3
: a prepared statement released to the news media

hand out

2 of 2

verb

handed out; handing out; hands out

transitive verb

1
a
: to give without charge
b
: to give freely
2
: administer
handed out a severe punishment

Examples of handout in a Sentence

Noun He sat on the sidewalk asking for a handout. The family wasn't interested in government handouts. The handouts had all the major points of his speech outlined on them. Verb no system yet in place for handing out room assignments
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.
Noun
There will be handouts for all their customers, which is the scavenger hunt map with stickers. Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 27 Nov. 2024 But others argue that the program is a handout to drug manufacturers. Victoria Knight, Axios, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
This year, the United Food Bank distribution day fell the day after the drive, so the turkeys were donated one day, spent the night in the freezer, and then handed out to families the next. Lane Sainty, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024 Earlier this week, the festival handed out the awards for its market arm, the Forum. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for handout 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of handout was in 1648

Dictionary Entries Near handout

Cite this Entry

“Handout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handout. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

handout

noun
hand·​out ˈhan-ˌdau̇t How to pronounce handout (audio)
1
: food, clothing, or money given to a beggar
2
: an information sheet for free distribution
3
: a prepared statement released to the press

More from Merriam-Webster on handout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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