1. difficult person; as much as one can manage (often used for a person, often a child, who is difficult to control)

1. Her older son is fine but the little one is a bit of a handful.

2. My three year old runs around the house and often breaks things. He’s a real handful.

3. She straightened that out, and I give her credit, but she is still a handful.

4. The kids are quite a handful.

5. I know I can be a bit of a handful.

6. Bob: Sara can be a real handful these days. Jane: Well, I admit it's been a while since I looked after a toddler.

2. a very few, esp. when compared to a larger group; a small quantity or number

1. A handful of professional athletes make millions, but most do not do so well.

2. She invited all her friends to her party, but only a handful of them turned up.

3. There were only a handful of guests at the reception.

4. He only knows a handful of different recipes.

5. The centre is staffed by a handful of volunteers.

3. as much or as many as the hand will grasp; an amount of something that can be held in one hand

1. He pulled out a handful of coins from his pocket.

2. I use two handfuls of pasta per person.

3. Add a large handful of chopped herbs.

4. He scooped up a handful of soil and examined it carefully.