Definition

A piece of paper or a document given to people for free, often containing information or details about a topic, event, or organization.

Example

The teacher gave each student a handout with important information about the upcoming exam.

Conversation

Did you see the handout they gave us at the seminar yesterday?

Yeah, it had some really useful tips in it.

I liked how it summarized the main points so well.

Definitely! I’ll keep it for future reference.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Handout → It is formed from "hand" (from Old English "hand", meaning the end part of a person's arm) and "out" (meaning away from the inside). The word "handout" refers to something given out or distributed, typically for free.

Memory Tip

Think of something being given 'away' ('out') by a 'hand' — that's why a handout is something distributed.

Visually Confused Words