Hand out
verb
To distribute or give something to people.
The teacher started to hand out the exam papers to the students.
Often appears as...
- hand out flyers
- hand out papers
verb
To administer or issue a penalty or judgement.
The government has been accused of being too quick to hand out punishments.
Often appears as...
- hand out punishment
- hand out sentence
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Technical
verb
To provide something to somebody freely or without cost.
The company is known for generously handing out bonuses to its staff.
Often appears as...
- hand out money
- hand out bonuses
verb
To distribute or give something to people.
The teacher started to hand out the exam papers to the students.
Often appears as...
- hand out flyers
- hand out papers
verb
To administer or issue a penalty or judgement.
The government has been accused of being too quick to hand out punishments.
Often appears as...
- hand out punishment
- hand out sentence
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Technical
verb
To provide something to somebody freely or without cost.
The company is known for generously handing out bonuses to its staff.
Often appears as...
- hand out money
- hand out bonuses
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Distribution
Used when actually handing over physical items to others.
At the end of the workshop, they handed out informational booklets.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-physical Items
Can also refer to non-tangible things like rights or permissions.
The moderator handed out the permissions to access the forum.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-selective Process
Implies distribution to many people without strict selection.
During the event, the organizers handed out sample products to everyone.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Distribution
Used when actually handing over physical items to others.
At the end of the workshop, they handed out informational booklets.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-physical Items
Can also refer to non-tangible things like rights or permissions.
The moderator handed out the permissions to access the forum.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-selective Process
Implies distribution to many people without strict selection.
During the event, the organizers handed out sample products to everyone.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Distribution
Used when actually handing over physical items to others.
At the end of the workshop, they handed out informational booklets.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-physical Items
Can also refer to non-tangible things like rights or permissions.
The moderator handed out the permissions to access the forum.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-selective Process
Implies distribution to many people without strict selection.
During the event, the organizers handed out sample products to everyone.
Never forget "Hand out"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension