pocketful
/'pɔkitful/
Definition
Noun: 1. The amount that a pocket can hold: This refers to the quantity of items or the volume of material that can be contained within a single pocket. 2. A considerable but indefinite amount: Informally, it can describe a sizable quantity of something, often money.
Examples
- :
- He gave the child a pocketful of coins.
- She collected a pocketful of seashells on the beach.
- He came home with a pocketful of receipts.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: Can be used to imply having a lot of something, especially problems or responsibilities.
- He's got a pocketful of troubles right now.
- Used with "of": Always followed by "of" to specify the contents (e.g., a pocketful nuts, a pocketful cash).
Variants and Related Words
- Pocket (n): A small bag sewn into or on clothing for carrying small articles.
- Pocket (v): To take or keep for oneself, especially dishonestly.
- Pocket-sized/Pocket-size (adj): Small enough to fit in a pocket.
Synonyms
- Handful
- Pouchful
- Sackful (though this implies a larger container)
Idioms
- A pocketful of sunshine: A phrase used to describe a small source of happiness or hope.
- Her cheerful letter was a pocketful of sunshine on a gloomy day.
- Out of pocket: Having paid for something with one's own money; also, in a position of having lost money.
- I was out of pocket for the taxi fare.
Noun
-
the quantity a pocket will hold
