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

After a handful of ownership changes throughout the decades, the hotel underwent a massive renovation and reopened in December 2023 as the Mandarin Oriental Savoy. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026

The American Film Institute has lifted the veil on more titles selected to screen at its upcoming event in Los Angeles, including a handful of fall festival standouts. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026

Zeferjahn was one of a handful of Cubs participating in the festivities for the first time as a major-leaguer. — Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

Edwards scored six early points as the Sun took a lead into the second quarter as the crowd settled into the seats, filling all but a handful. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 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