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

Chocolate chips are calorie-dense, with roughly 70 calories in a small handful of about one tablespoon, says Young, depending on the brand and variety. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 June 2026

Combined, the handful of upside surprises is making for a stronger-than-expected domestic box office and a promising foundation for the second half of the year as the industry chases pre-pandemic levels. — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 27 June 2026

Gather garden veggies, some fresh farmers market finds, and a handful of delicious toppings to create fresh, flavorful, light summer casseroles. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2026

After Pereira dropped him early and went to work from top position, Magomedov grabbed a handful of his opponent’s hair on multiple occasions, drawing warnings from Dean but no deduction in the UFC co-main. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for handful

• brimful
• mirthful
• 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