fistful: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1neutral (can be used in both informal and formal contexts)
Quick answer
What does “fistful” mean?
an amount that can be held in a clenched hand.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
an amount that can be held in a clenched hand.
A substantial but imprecise quantity of something, often implying it is more than a normal or expected amount.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. No significant syntactic or semantic differences.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can connote a rough, substantial, or even greedy quantity.
Frequency
Slightly more common in BrE due to its historical association with 'clenched hand' imagery.
Grammar
How to Use “fistful” in a Sentence
[determiner] + fistful + of + [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal: 'He made a fistful of money on that deal.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical or descriptive texts.
Everyday
Common for describing handfuls of small items.
Technical
Not used in technical registers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fistful”
- Using without 'of' (e.g., 'He took a fistful coins'). Confusing with 'handful' (which is more common and less forceful).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but leans slightly informal. In formal writing, 'handful' or a more precise measurement is often preferred.
No, it's typically used for solids or countable items that can be grasped. For liquids, use 'handful' is also unusual; 'palmful' or specific measures (cup, litre) are better.
'Handful' is more common, neutral, and can be literal or figurative. 'Fistful' implies a tighter, more forceful, or greedier grasp, often suggesting a larger or more impressive amount.
No, 'fistful' is only a noun. The related verb is 'to fist' (to clench into a fist), but it is not commonly used.
an amount that can be held in a clenched hand.
Fistful: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɪstfʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɪs(t)fʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “For a fistful of dollars (title/colloquial).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FIST holding something FULL – that's a FISTFUL.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS A GRASPABLE OBJECT.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'fistful' INCORRECTLY?