handful

adja small quantity

Synonyms for handful

adj a small quantity

Antonyms for handful

Word Origin & History

Old English handful; see hand (n.) + -ful. Originally the quality that can be held in a hand; also a medieval linear measurement of four inches. Meaning "a small portion or part" is from c.1400. Figurative meaning "as much as one can manage" is from 1755.

Example Sentences forhandful

He compares it to little things, to a tiny seed, to a handful of leaven, to a pearl.

Now, every man who was a handful or two short of his crop began to look at us doubtfully.

Yates caught up a handful of sand, and flung it lightly against the pane.

He stooped, thinking he had caught it, but took up only a handful of soapy foam.

Then put them into the fish-kettle with cold water and a handful of salt.

Put them into the soup, add a handful of chopped parsley, and let them boil.

Then add by degrees the cocoa-nut; and lastly, a handful of sifted flour.

Meantime the body had decayed and had sunk down into a handful of dust.

The boy halted at the counter, producing a handful of square envelopes.

She then planted the comb in my mop of hair and tore out a handful of it.

handful

Synonyms for handful

Antonyms for handful

gobs

lump

several

sprinkling

strong

handful

Synonyms for handful

Antonyms for handful

More words related to handful

gob

gobs

lump

several

sprinkling

strong