What does apronful mean?
An apronful is the amount of something that can be carried in an apron. Its most characteristic use refers to a pocketful-like collection of coins or money, often one gathered quickly or held securely against the body. Because an apron has folds and pockets capable of concealing valuables, the expression also carries a vivid image of personal wealth: an apronful of gold may suggest a small fortune rather than a modest sum. The word is uncommon in everyday modern speech but remains recognizable in traditional, literary, and figurative contexts. It is related in sense to expressions such as handful and pocketful, but its defining image is the apron as a working garment used by tradespeople, market sellers, and others who may accumulate coins. Thus, apronful combines a concrete measure of capacity with the cultural suggestion of hard-earned, ready cash.
nounAn apronful is the quantity of something that can be held in an apron, especially a collection of coins or money. Figuratively, it can refer to a substantial amount of money.
- The quantity of something that can be held in an apron, especially money or coins; by extension, a substantial amount of money.
"The vendor disappeared behind the stall, his apronful of coins jingling in his hand."
"The vendor disappeared behind the stall, his apronful of coins jingling in his hand."
"By the end of the market, she had gathered an apronful of small change."
The regular plural is apronfuls, although the word is relatively uncommon.
"The old woman kept two apronfuls of copper coins beneath her bed."
A humble apron can become a measure of treasure when it is filled with coins.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does apronful come from?
Apronful is an English compound formed from the established words apron and full. The element apron entered Middle English from Old French, although its ultimate origin is uncertain, while full is an old English word meaning a complete or satisfying measure. The compound follows ordinary English noun compounding and has no clearly established non-English cognate; its meaningful relatives are other words formed from apron.
Related word forms
How apronful is actually used
The word is traditional and somewhat literary or figurative. It is especially associated with money, coins, and gold, and may suggest wealth that is portable, easily concealed, or literally gathered into an apron.