1. plural of handful; amounts that can be held in one hand
2. small numbers or amounts of something
3. people or things that are difficult to manage or control
Usage: informal

Examples

• She grabbed handfuls of berries from the bush.
• The child threw handfuls of sand into the air.
• Only handfuls of people showed up to the meeting.
• There were handfuls of coins scattered on the floor.
• The teacher said those students were real handfuls.
• He collected handfuls of shells along the beach.
• Handfuls of protesters gathered outside the building.