handout

American  

[hand-aut] / ˈhændˌaʊt /

noun

• handouts
  plural

1. a portion of food or the like given to a needy person, as a beggar.

2. press release.

3. any printed, typed, mimeographed, or photocopied copy of information, as a speech, policy statement, or fact sheet given to reporters, attendees at a meeting, or the like.

4. anything given away for nothing, as a free sample of a product by an advertiser.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• handouts
  plural

Etymology

Origin of handout

First recorded in 1880–85 handout for def. 1 and in 1905–10 handout for def. 2; noun use of verb phrase hand out

Explanation

A handout is something that's given to a person in need. A useful handout for someone who doesn't have a home might be food, money, or clothing. Handouts are anything that a person, government, charity, or other organization freely donates to needy people. While the word originated in the 1880s and gained popularity during the Great Depression among so-called "hobos," people who had to live entirely on the charity of others, handout has taken on a negative connotation in modern times. It's more often used to criticize the government or tax rates than to mean "a generous, thoughtful donation."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

handout handouts

Wile E. Coyote isn’t asking for a handout.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

During a recent Sunday sermon, Stetler was working through his AI-generated “Seven Domains” handout, when it fell out of sync with his slides.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026

After a "low-rate initial production" at Everett, the "North Line will help enable the 737 MAX program to reach 52 airplanes a month," according to a Boeing handout.

From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026

By ensuring that money is tied to real effort and sacrifice, rather than given as a casual gift, children learn the direct connection between hard work and capital, transforming a handout into a meaningful reward.

From MarketWatch ● May 29, 2026

According to the McDonald’s handout, the cheeseburger contains only six ingredients: a 100 percent beef patty, a bun, two American cheese slices, ketchup, mustard, pickles, onions, and “grill seasoning,” whatever that is.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

While food markets have reopened, many cannot afford the goods on offer, there is still extreme poverty and hunger with reliance on charitable handouts.

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026

You are the one who stuck to her original career plan, built her own future independently, did not give up a six-figure job to follow your heart or ask family members for handouts or loans.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026

Players used to supervision, with worksheet handouts and a full week of instruction, had to complete assignments online and independently.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with the population relying on handouts and lacking proper sanitation and shelter.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 27, 2026

Then when this crazy lynx started following me around the woods looking for handouts, it became his official nickname for me.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins