Handful/ˈhændfʊl/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Quantity Context Use 'handful' to describe small amounts that aren't exact, like a few items or a small group. She picked up a handful of marbles from the ground. Pro Tip 2/3Non-Literal Use 'Handful' suggests a non-precise quantity, often used figuratively rather than literally. I've only got a handful of friends in the city. Pro Tip 3/3Tangible Quantities Prefer 'handful' when referring to physical things rather than abstract concepts. He grabbed a handful of jelly beans.