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
Havi Nguyen, Boston Herald, 3 June 2026
Ferrari’s first fully electric car, called Luce, in a handout image obtained by Reuters May 25, 2026, after the luxury sports car maker unveiled the model.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 28 May 2026
Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2026
Ball State recruit Briggs Corona led defending state champion Marist (30-7) with 10 kills, while freshman right-side hitter Max DeHoyos added five kills and Fiedler handed out 20 assists.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for handout
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Noun
My experience has taught me that families on Medicaid are not looking for a handout.
—Havi Nguyen, Boston Herald, 3 June 2026
Ferrari’s first fully electric car, called Luce, in a handout image obtained by Reuters May 25, 2026, after the luxury sports car maker unveiled the model.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 28 May 2026
Verb
Some questioned how handing out reprints of an editorial published in the ADA’s own journal, at the ADA’s own annual conference, could be construed as a violation of that code.
—Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2026
Ball State recruit Briggs Corona led defending state champion Marist (30-7) with 10 kills, while freshman right-side hitter Max DeHoyos added five kills and Fiedler handed out 20 assists.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 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 8 Jun. 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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