hand·out
ˈhand-ˌau̇t 
1
sometimes disapproving
: food, clothing, or money given to someone who is poor
also
: money given to a person or organization by the government
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
Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2026
Monica Montefalcone in an undated handout picture released by Greenpeace.
—CBS News, 18 May 2026
Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
Diplomas weren’t handed out at Friday night’s event to the university’s more than 2,700 graduates; instead, Champan is hosting 11 college-specific degree ceremonies this weekend to more intimately celebrate members of the Class of 2026.
—Heather McRea, Oc Register, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for handout
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Noun
Rancho Cordova voters approved Measures R and S in 2024, authorizing general obligation bonds for school renovations, according to a district handout.
—Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2026
Monica Montefalcone in an undated handout picture released by Greenpeace.
—CBS News, 18 May 2026
Verb
Many more noteworthy women have signed on since the club's founding, including Sophia Bush and Lindsey Vonn, and their A-list investors have found unique ways to bring attention to the club, like Garner handing out orange slices in the ultimate soccer mom move.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
Diplomas weren’t handed out at Friday night’s event to the university’s more than 2,700 graduates; instead, Champan is hosting 11 college-specific degree ceremonies this weekend to more intimately celebrate members of the Class of 2026.
—Heather McRea, Oc Register, 23 May 2026
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 May. 2026.
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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