Pronunciation: [lˈapfə͡lz] (IPA) 
The word "Lapfuls" refers to a quantity of something that is able to be held in one's lap. It is spelled with two syllables: "lap" and "fuls." The "a" in "lap" is pronounced as the short-a sound /æ/ whereas the "u" in "fuls" is pronounced as the short-u sound /ʌ/. The "s" at the end of "fuls" indicates the plural form of "lapful". In IPA phonetic transcription, "Lapfuls" is pronounced as /ˈlæpfʊlz/.
"Lapfuls" is a plural noun defined as the amount or quantity that fills or can be held in one's lap. The word is derived from "lap," meaning the upper thighs of a seated person, over which the arms can be placed in a relaxed or resting position.
The term "lapfuls" is often used to describe the amount of a particular substance or object that can be comfortably contained within one's lap. This quantity can vary depending on the size and capacity of an individual's lap. It commonly refers to items that are small enough to be placed and carried in one's lap without causing discomfort or imbalance. For instance, one might say they have several lapfuls of books when they have collected a stack of books that can fit conveniently in their lap.
Additionally, "lapfuls" can also be used figuratively to describe the overwhelming or excessive amount of items or responsibilities a person may have. This connotation suggests that a person is burdened or overwhelmed by the quantity of objects or tasks, to the point that they are unable to manage them all effectively.
In summary, "lapfuls" refers to the quantity or amount of something that can be contained within a person's lap, and it can be used both literally and figuratively to indicate a physical or metaphorical load.
The word "lapfuls" is derived from the combination of two words: "lap" and "ful".
The term "lap" originated from the Old English word "læppa", which referred to the front part of the body between the waist and the knees when sitting or bending. Over time, it came to specifically denote the area on which a person holds or carries something, such as a small child or an object, by resting it on their upper legs or knees.
The word "ful" stems from the Old English word "full" meaning "full or filled". It denotes the state of something being completely occupied or containing as much as possible.
When these two words are combined, "lapfuls" refers to the amount or quantity of something that can be held or contained by a person's lap—usually said in terms of bulk, such as a lapful of sand or a lapful of toys.
