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
Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
Schulz will also provide handouts featuring plants that thrive in the local coastal environment and will be available to answer questions about gardens and plants.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Granted, fading into the fray may be the best-case scenario for a show that kept encouraging its audience to place bets on the next round of winners and handed out yet another new award to a former host.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handout
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Noun
Sometimes travelers feel pressured to take a tour, go to a club, or accept a handout from someone on the street who then strikes up a conversation.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
Schulz will also provide handouts featuring plants that thrive in the local coastal environment and will be available to answer questions about gardens and plants.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
New award for best podcast For the first time, an award for best podcast was handed out.
—Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Granted, fading into the fray may be the best-case scenario for a show that kept encouraging its audience to place bets on the next round of winners and handed out yet another new award to a former host.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 Jan. 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 17 Jan. 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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