hand out

phrasal verb·2 senses·particle out

Usefulness

Meanings

1

Give something to several people

Why “out”? Something is sent, shared, or made available from one source to many people or places.

She handed out the leaflets.
She distributed the leaflets to people.
The guide handed out maps to the tourists.
The guide gave a map to each tourist.
The teacher handed out the tests.
The teacher distributed the tests by giving one to each student.
They handed out meals to people without homes.
They gave meals to people without homes.
Volunteers handed out blankets.
Volunteers distributed blankets to people in need.
Leo handed out printed plans to the team before the office presentation.
Leo gave a printed plan to each team member before the office presentation.
2

Give a punishment, advice or judgement

The judge handed out a long prison sentence.
The judge gave a serious prison punishment.
The school handed out warnings.
The school gave warnings as punishments.

Don't confuse with

hand outhand off

Hand out means give things to several people. Hand off means give a task to someone else.

hand outhand down

Hand out means give a punishment, advice or judgement. Hand down means pass on knowledge, possessions or traditions to younger people.

Test yourself

She handed out the leaflets. What does it mean?

Nearby in the meaning map

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