a handful of — a small number or amount of something; a few
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a small number or amount of something; a few
Pronunciation (IPA): /ə ˈhændfʊl ʌv/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother's secret cookie recipe was shared with only a handful of family members.
- After the zombie apocalypse movie marathon, only a handful of brave souls stayed for the horror quiz.
- The exclusive restaurant serves only a handful of customers each night.
a handful of
NOUN[/ə ˈhændfʊl ʌv/]
a small number or amount of something; a few
Only a handful of climbers reached the misty mountain summit at sunrise.
A handful of shells, a sandful of dreams
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase originated in Old English from the literal concept of the quantity that can be held in one hand. It evolved from a concrete physical measurement into an abstract meaning denoting a small amount or small number of something.
Breakdown
handful (hand + -ful, meaning the amount filling one's hand) + of (preposition indicating possession or composition), combining to express a limited quantity held or contained.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother's secret cookie recipe was shared with only a handful of family members.”
“After the zombie apocalypse movie marathon, only a handful of brave souls stayed for the horror quiz.”
“The exclusive restaurant serves only a handful of customers each night.”
“She's met only a handful of celebrities, but somehow she knows all the gossip.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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