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

Visit the Saturday farmers market, explore the handful of local shops, and take an easy hike to the Montezuma waterfall for a refreshing dip in its natural pool. —Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2026

Only a handful of ships from a few countries, China, India and Pakistan, are known to have gotten through the strait. —CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026

Their version of the Oscars also gave it a handful of nominations. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2026

After remarks from a handful of speakers, most of the crowd broke off into a march through the streets. —Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Mar. 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