Pronunciation: [hˈandfə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "handful" is spelled hæn(d)fʊl in IPA phonetic transcription. The word starts with the vowel sound /hæ/ and is followed by the consonant cluster /n(d)f/. The vowel sound in the second syllable is /ʊ/, and the word ends with the consonant sound /l/. The term "handful" refers to the amount of something that can be held in the hand, typically an amount that is small but difficult to manage.
A handful is a quantifiable measure, typically referring to the amount or number of objects that can be held or grasped by one hand. It can be used both literally and figuratively to convey a sense of limited quantity or manageability. In the literal sense, when referring to physical objects, it denotes a small and manageable amount that can be easily grasped or enclosed within one's hand. For instance, one can say, "I picked up a handful of pebbles from the shore."
In a figurative sense, the term encompasses a broader meaning, often used to describe groups or situations with limited and easily identifiable characteristics. Here, it typically implies a small number or restricted selection, suggesting a level of simplicity or ease in handling. For example, when discussing a challenging task, one might say, "Only a handful of people have successfully accomplished this."
Furthermore, "handful" can also connote difficulties, especially when used to describe a person or thing that is challenging to control or manage. For instance, a mischievous child who proves to be a handful demands more attention and effort from caregivers due to their energetic or behaviorally challenging nature.
Overall, whether conveying a literal measure or figurative representation, the term "handful" refers to a limited amount or a manageable group that can be held, controlled, or comprehended with relative ease.
• A small quantity.
• As much as the closed hand will contain.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word handful is derived from Middle English handfulle, which combines the words hand and fulle. The word hand is derived from Old English hand, which has Germanic origins. The word fulle is an Old English word meaning full, also of Germanic origin. Thus, handful essentially means as much as the hand can hold.
