Definition of "handful" in English

noun

1. The amount that a hand will grasp or contain.

2. (obsolete) A hand's breadth; four inches.

3. A small number, usually approximately five.

4. A group or number of things; a bunch.

5. (informal) Something which can only be managed with difficulty.

   • Those twins are a real handful to look after.

6. (slang) A five-year prison sentence.