A handbill is a small printed sheet of paper, usually one page, that advertises something or shares information with people. Before the internet and mass media, handbills were one of the main ways to spread news or announce events. Someone might stand on a street corner handing out handbills about a circus coming to town, or post them on walls and fences where people would see them.

In American history, handbills played an important role in politics and community life. Political candidates distributed handbills explaining their positions. Theater companies used them to announce shows. During the Revolutionary War, handbills spread news about protests and meetings. The famous “wanted” posters from the Old West were a type of handbill.

Today, you might still see handbills at concerts, farmers' markets, or community events, though they're less common than they once were. They're similar to flyers, though handbills are usually smaller and simpler. When someone hands you a bright piece of paper advertising a garage sale or a lost pet, you're holding a handbill.