hand·out
ˈhand-ˌau̇t 
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
handed out; handing out; hands out
1
a
: to give without charge
b
: to give freely
2
: administer
handed out a severe punishment
Synonyms
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
Stefano Pozzebon, CNN, 4 Sep. 2024
To see why this handout is outrageous (like so many before it), a little tax arithmetic is unavoidable.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 8 Aug. 2024
Carol Schram, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
Community organizations in hundreds of counties table in parking lots, outside churches and clinics handing out Narcan and fentanyl test strips and training people on how to use it.
—CBS News, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for handout 
Noun
This is not the first time Maduro has extended the official national period of Christmas celebration, which in Venezuela often comes with extra bonuses for public employees and more lavish gifts in government handouts.
—Stefano Pozzebon, CNN, 4 Sep. 2024
To see why this handout is outrageous (like so many before it), a little tax arithmetic is unavoidable.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 8 Aug. 2024
Verb
The eight-year deal at a cap hit of $10.5 million per season is still the largest ever handed out to a goaltender.
—Carol Schram, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
Community organizations in hundreds of counties table in parking lots, outside churches and clinics handing out Narcan and fentanyl test strips and training people on how to use it.
—CBS News, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for handout
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'handout.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near handout
Cite this Entry
“Handout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handout. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
handout
noun
hand·out
ˈhan-ˌdau̇t
1
: food, clothing, or money given to a beggar
2
: an information sheet for free distribution
3
: a prepared statement released to the press
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