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
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
Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2025
Today, all people think about Medicaid or food stamps is that people are too lazy to work, and just want handouts.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2025
Will Jeanes, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
There is no doubt that the money on offer to both players and clubs is impressive, and will likely change a lot of lives once it has all been handed out later this year.
—Mike Stubbs, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handout
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Noun
When companies offer handouts, people tend to take them.
—Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2025
Today, all people think about Medicaid or food stamps is that people are too lazy to work, and just want handouts.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
After all, trophies were handed out at the conclusion of each competition.
—Will Jeanes, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
There is no doubt that the money on offer to both players and clubs is impressive, and will likely change a lot of lives once it has all been handed out later this year.
—Mike Stubbs, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handout
Cite this Entry
“Handout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handout. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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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