›something such as food, clothing, or money that is given free to someone who is in need of it: She ended up living on handouts and food vouchers.federal/government/state handouts
›money that is paid to someone without their asking for it: The electricity company offered shareholders a £238m handout. Shareholders are to receive a 25p a share cash handout after the company banked £219m from the sale last year.
›FINANCEmoney that is given by a government to people, organizations, or industries to encourage a particular activity: More than 50 American billionaires have received government farm handouts in recent years from a program created to help struggling small farmers survive.
›MEETINGSa document containing information that is given to people at a meeting or other event: Keep the information in your media handout factual and to the point.