Dictionary

handful

noun hand·ful \ˈhan(d)-ˌfl\

: an amount that you can hold in your hand

: a small amount or number

: someone or something that is difficult to control

plural handfuls \-ˌflz\ also hands·ful \ˈhan(d)z-ˌfl\

Full Definition of HANDFUL

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>
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First Known Use of HANDFUL

before 12th century
HANDFUL Defined for Kids

handful

noun hand·ful \ˈhand-ˌfl\
plural handfuls \-ˌflz\ or hands·ful \ˈhandz-ˌfl\

Definition of HANDFUL for Kids

1
:  as much or as many as the hand will grasp
2
:  a small amount or number <Only a handful of people came.>

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