hand·out
ˈhand-ˌau̇t 
1
sometimes disapproving
: food, clothing, or money given to someone who is poor
also
: money given to a person or organization by the government
2
: a folder or circular of information for free distribution
3
: a prepared statement released to the news media
handed out; handing out; hands out
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
Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, Democratic states like Illinois, Washington and Massachusetts are exploding state spending and proposing tax hikes on top earners to fund an ever-growing array of programs and handouts.
—Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026
The La Jolla Town Council celebrated Women’s History Month by handing out awards to local women for their contributions to the community and giving them the floor to share their stories during the Town Council’s meeting March 12.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handout
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Noun
Large airport-style digital displays showing court schedules replace stapled paper handouts, and jurors can check in with court staff at digital counters or via QR codes at jury assembly kiosks.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, Democratic states like Illinois, Washington and Massachusetts are exploding state spending and proposing tax hikes on top earners to fund an ever-growing array of programs and handouts.
—Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
That's when golden dudes will start being handed out.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026
The La Jolla Town Council celebrated Women’s History Month by handing out awards to local women for their contributions to the community and giving them the floor to share their stories during the Town Council’s meeting March 12.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handout
Cite this Entry
“Handout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handout. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
handout
noun
hand·out
ˈhan-ˌdau̇t
1
: food, clothing, or money given to a beggar
2
: an information sheet for free distribution
3
: a prepared statement released to the press
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