26984 words

handful

6 definitions • 6 examples
1
an amount of something that can be held in one hand:

Examples:

He pulled out a handful of coins from his pocket.
2
a small number of people or things:

Examples:

She invited all her friends to her party, but only a handful of them turned up.
3
a person, often a child, who is difficult to control:

Examples:

Her older son is fine but the little one is a bit of a handful.
4
a very few, esp. when compared to a larger group:

Examples:

A handful of professional athletes make millions, but most do not do so well.
5
an amount of something that can be held in one hand:

Examples:

He scooped up a handful of soil and examined it carefully.
6
a person or thing that is difficult to control or manage:

Examples:

Sam was an easygoing baby, but Rory is a real handful.

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