# handout

/ˈhænˌdaʊt/ (US) · /hˈændaʊt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/handout
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a piece of paper with information or instructions that you give to a group of people. It is also a slang word for giving someone money or drugs for free.

For teachers: a printed sheet of information or instructions distributed to a group; also, a slang term for the act of providing money or drugs without charge.

## Examples

- The teacher gave us a handout before the test.
- The charity provides a handout to every family in the neighborhood during the winter months.
- While the official handout was meant to clarify the new policy, many employees found the language too technical to understand without further explanation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.