C1noun 2K

Handful

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈhændfʊl/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈhændfʊl/"]/

Meaning of Handful

the amount of something that can be held in one hand

In simple words: A small number of something you can hold in one hand.

Handful in a sentence

• a handful of rice
• She scooped up handfuls of loose earth.
• She bent and pulled up a double handful of weeds.
• She grabbed handfuls of the dirty snow.
• Only a handful of people came.
• They cannot hope to win more than a handful of seats at the next election.
• We have received only a handful of emails on this subject.
• She has a good handful of (= several) Hollywood roles under her belt.
• Her children can be a real handful.

How to use Handful

Use 'handful' when referring to a small, manageable amount. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English, but avoid it in very formal contexts. For example, instead of saying 'a handful of people attended', you might simply say 'a few people attended' in formal writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'handful' like holding a few beans in your hand, just a small amount.

Related words

Collocations with Handful

• good
• double
• handful of
• small
• tiny
• mere
• handful of
• just a handful of something
• only a handful of something

Synonyms for Handful

• few
• smattering
• several
• small number
• bit

Opposites of Handful

• multitude
• plentiful
• vastness

Common mistakes with Handful

• 'Handful' is sometimes misused to mean a larger quantity than intended.
• Learners might confuse 'handful' with 'handfuls', thinking it's plural when used with countable nouns.
• 'Handful' is often capitalized incorrectly at the beginning of a sentence.

Frequently asked questions about Handful

What does Handful mean?

A small number of something you can hold in one hand.

What is the definition of Handful?

the amount of something that can be held in one hand

How do you use Handful in a sentence?

a handful of rice

Can you give another example of Handful?

She scooped up handfuls of loose earth.

What are synonyms for Handful?

Common alternatives include few, smattering, several, small number, bit.

What is the opposite of Handful?

Opposite meanings include multitude, plentiful, vastness.

What words go with Handful?

It commonly pairs with good, double, handful of, small, tiny, mere, handful of, just a handful of something, only a handful of something.

What are common mistakes when using Handful?

'Handful' is sometimes misused to mean a larger quantity than intended. Learners might confuse 'handful' with 'handfuls', thinking it's plural when used with countable nouns. 'Handful' is often capitalized incorrectly at the beginning of a sentence.

How do you pronounce Handful?

US: /["/ˈhændfʊl/"]/, UK: /["/ˈhændfʊl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Handful?

Use 'handful' when referring to a small, manageable amount. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English, but avoid it in very formal contexts. For example, instead of saying 'a handful of people attended', you might simply say 'a few people attended' in formal writing.

What CEFR level is Handful?

"Handful" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.