handout

1 of 2

noun

hand·​out ˈhand-ˌau̇t How to pronounce handout (audio)
1
: a portion of food, clothing, or money given to or as if to a beggar
2
: a folder or circular of information for free distribution
3
: a prepared statement released to the news media

hand out

2 of 2

verb

handed out; handing out; hands out

transitive verb

1
a
: to give without charge
b
: to give freely
2
: administer
handed out a severe punishment

Examples of handout in a Sentence

Noun He sat on the sidewalk asking for a handout. The family wasn't interested in government handouts. The handouts had all the major points of his speech outlined on them. Verb no system yet in place for handing out room assignments
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Mass handouts of free team shirts have become common practice for NBA playoff games, decking out home crowds in a uniform block of color. Jack Bantock, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025 While Beijing has refrained from providing cash handouts, government officials have been emphasizing the importance of consumer consumption to boost the country’s economy. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
During the 60-day grace period between Jan. 1 and March 1, the city handed out 1,500 warnings to people who violated the law. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025 Inspired by Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, Book is handing out friendship bracelets along the way, some made by survivors with their names and ages. Bryan West, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for handout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of handout was in 1648

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handout. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

handout

noun
hand·​out ˈhan-ˌdau̇t How to pronounce handout (audio)
1
: food, clothing, or money given to a beggar
2
: an information sheet for free distribution
3
: a prepared statement released to the press

More from Merriam-Webster on handout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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