Handful - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A handful refers to the amount that can be held in one hand or a small, manageable quantity. It can also describe a person or thing that is difficult to control.
Definition:
A small quantity or number that can be held in one hand, or a person difficult to manage.
Synonyms:
few, sprinkling, smattering, scattering
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
abundance, multitude
Common Collocations:
handful of nuts, handful of people, handful of coins
Derivatives:
handfuls, handfulful
Usage Tips:
Use "handful" for small quantities or challenging individuals; e.g., "a handful of sand" or "he’s a handful."
Common Phrases:
a handful of trouble, a handful to deal with, throw one's hat in the ring (not directly related but sometimes confused)
Etymology:
From Old English "handfull," combining "hand" and "full," meaning as much as the hand can hold.
Examples:
- 1. She grabbed a handful of candies from the jar.
- 2. The toddler is a handful when he’s tired.
- 3. Only a handful of students attended the early class.
- 4. He gave me a handful of coins for the bus fare.