Meaning & Definition of word "Handful"
to
Handful
/ˈhændˌfʊl/
noun:
- 1. The amount that can be held in a person's hand.
- Example: She picked up a handful of sand and let it slip through her fingers.
- 2. A small quantity or number.
- Example: Only a handful of people attended the meeting.
- 3. A difficult or troublesome person, often used in reference to children.
- Example: That child is a bit of a handful, always getting into trouble.
Etymology
Middle English, from hand + ful
Common Phrases and Expressions
a handful of:
Referring to a small number of items or people.
give me a handful:
Requesting a small quantity, often of food or objects.
Related Words
hand:
The end part of a person's arm beyond the wrist.
full:
Containing as much as possible; filled.
Slang Meanings of handful
Meaning: A tough or challenging situation.
Example Sentence: That meeting was a handful; everyone had strong opinions.
Meaning: An annoying or mischievous child.
Example Sentence: My nephew can be such a handful during family gatherings.