1 A2 neutral
To offer or distribute something to each person in a group, one by one.
"Could you hand around these worksheets while I write the instructions on the board?"
separable
hand around
A2 neutral separable transitive
To distribute or offer something to each person in a group by passing it from one to another.
In plain English
To give something to everyone in a group, one person at a time.
What does "hand around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To pass something around a group so each person can see or take it.
"She handed around photographs of her holiday for everyone to look at."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To hand something to people arranged around a group.
Actually means
To give something to everyone in a group, one person at a time.
Usage tip
Used in both British and American English. Very common in social and professional contexts. Also spelled 'hand round' in British English. The items handed around are typically things to eat, drink, look at, or read.
Words that pair with "hand around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
drinks photos documents leaflets snacks copies
How to conjugate "hand around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hand around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hands around
he/she/it
Past simple
handed around
yesterday
Past participle
handed around
have + pp
-ing form
handing around
continuous
Hear "hand around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "hand around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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