Handful: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ–๏ธ
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handful

 

[ หˆhรฆndfสŠl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in cooking

A small quantity or amount of something, typically food, that can be held in one hand.

Synonyms

a bit, a few, small amount

Examples of usage

  • A handful of nuts is a healthy snack option.
  • She measured out a handful of rice for the recipe.
  • I only need a handful of chocolate chips for the cookies.
  • We picked a handful of berries from the garden.
  • He grabbed a handful of popcorn to munch on during the movie.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A small number or group of people or things.

Synonyms

a few individuals, limited number, small group

Examples of usage

  • There were only a handful of people at the meeting.
  • She was one of a handful of students who passed the exam.
  • Just a handful of countries have access to this technology.
  • The team consists of a handful of dedicated individuals.
  • The company employs only a handful of staff members.

Translations

Translations of the word "handful" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น punhado

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเฅเคŸเฅเค เฅ€ เคญเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Handvoll

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ segelintir

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะถะผะตะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ garล›ฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไธ€ๆกใ‚Š (hitonigiri)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท poignรฉe

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ puรฑado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท avuรง dolusu

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ•œ ์›€ํผ (han umkeum)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุญูู†ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hrst

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hล•stka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไธ€ๆŠŠ (yฤซ bวŽ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ peลกฤica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ handfylli

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑั–ั€ ัƒั‹ั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒฃแƒญแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bir ovuc

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ puรฑado

Etymology

The word 'handful' originated in the Middle English period, derived from the combination of 'hand' and 'full.' It has been used since the 14th century to refer to a small quantity that can be held in one hand. Over time, the term has also come to describe a small group of people or things. 'Handful' remains a common and versatile word in the English language, used in various contexts to convey the idea of a limited or compact amount.

See also: backhand, deckhand, forehand, hand, handbag, handball, handbook, handbreadth, handcrafted, handcrafting, handcuffs, handgun, handheld, handicap, handicapped, handily, handiwork, handkerchief, handle, handled, handler, handles, handling, handmade, handmake, handover, handpicked, handrail, hands, handwarmer, handwear, handwriting, handy, handycam, handyman, handyperson, offhand, openhandedly, shorthand.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,157 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.