handful

A small number of people or things.

• Only a handful of people came.
• We have a handful of tickets left.
• I've visited that town a handful of times.

How to use it: a handful of plural noun (Only a handful of students stayed after class.)

Similar words: a few, a small number

Common phrases: handful of people, handful of times, only a handful, handful of countries

The amount of something you can hold in one hand.

• She picked up a handful of sand.
• Add two handfuls of rice.
• He pulled a handful of coins from his pocket.

How to use it: a handful of something (Add a handful of nuts to the bowl.)

Similar words: fistful

Common phrases: handful of rice, handful of sand, handful of nuts

A person, animal, or group that is difficult to manage or look after.

• That puppy is a handful.
• The twins were quite a handful today.
• Is your youngest child still a handful?

How to use it: be a handful (Our new puppy is a handful.)

Similar words: a challenge

Common phrases: be a handful, quite a handful, a real handful

A prison sentence lasting five years.

• He got a handful for robbery.
• She served a handful before returning home.
• The inmate said he was doing a handful.

Similar words: five-year sentence

Common phrases: get a handful, serve a handful, do a handful