pocketful

American  

[pok-it-fool] / ˈpɒk ɪtˌfʊl /

noun

plural

pocketfuls

1. the amount that a pocket will hold.

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pocketful British  

/ ˈpɒkɪtfʊl /

noun

1. as much as a pocket will hold

2. informal a large amount

   it cost him a pocketful of money

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Spelling

See -ful.

Etymology

Origin of pocketful

First recorded in 1605–15; pocket + -ful

Example Sentences

He walks around with a pocketful of clear marbles and a lowball glass filled with white wine, uttering phrases like “that’s bitchin’!” with such excitement that you can’t help but agree with him.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2023

The April 13 Style article “A first-grader gets a pocketful of kudos after a letter to Old Navy goes viral” explained why first-grader Kamryn Gardner wanted pockets in her jeans.

From Washington Post • Apr. 23, 2021

And there’s no nicer feeling than sending a friend on their way after a too-short outdoor visit with a pocketful of coziness you know will last them the rest of the day.

From Slate • Jan. 4, 2021

Amy, writer, London I’ll be taking my little people on a walk of the neighbourhood, them holding buckets and me with a pocketful of sweets.

From The Guardian • Oct. 30, 2020

“To have so much money you don’t notice if a pocketful of Galleons goes missing.”

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling