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

Whether your commute involves public transit, a handful of blocks, or even a flight, the Professional Boston BS Leather Clogs are designed to serve you from the journey to the desk. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026

Comparing a handful of European countries of similar sizes and populations with drastically different work schedules demonstrates this pattern well. —Joe O’Connor, Time, 13 Jan. 2026

Two prospectors who had once flown over the area confirmed that, seen from above, the rivers looked like a handful of golden worms twisting through the green. —Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026

But Greek yogurt, crisp radishes, lemon juice, and a handful of fresh herbs brighten up the classic. —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 12 Jan. 2026

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