Handful

/ˈhændˌfʊl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The amount that can be held in a person's hand.

She picked up a handful of sand and let it slip through her fingers.

A small quantity or number.

Only a handful of people attended the meeting.

A difficult or troublesome person, often used in reference to children.

That child is a bit of a handful, always getting into trouble.

Middle English, from hand + ful

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.

hand

The end part of a person's arm beyond the wrist.

full

Containing as much as possible; filled.

A tough or challenging situation.

That meeting was a handful; everyone had strong opinions.

An annoying or mischievous child.

My nephew can be such a handful during family gatherings.