baggage

1 of 2

noun (1)

bag·​gage ˈba-gij 

1

: suitcases, trunks, and personal belongings of travelers : luggage

2

: transportable equipment especially of a military force

3

: intangible things (such as feelings, circumstances, or beliefs) that get in the way

emotional baggage

baggage

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

dated : a contemptible or disreputable woman

"I can buy her off. If she took money from him—the mercenary, painted baggage!—why, then, she'll take it from me."

—Edward Bulwer-Lytton

2

dated : a young woman

Examples of baggage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For millions across China, especially those who watch the US from a fascinated digital distance, Chen became a one-man portal into the American presidency, without the clunky geopolitical baggage. —Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025

This includes 27 baggage handlers, 23 service agents, four supervisors, one facility manager and one lead supervisor. —Chase Jordan updated November 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025

Members in a youth boys hockey team from Florida collected their hockey sticks from the oversized baggage area. —N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025

In a country this size, airports can be a hassle, far from city centers and bogged down by long security lines, delays, and baggage drops. —Jade Moyano, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English bagage, from Middle French, from bagues belongings, baggage

Noun (2)

probably modification of Middle French bagasse, from Old Occitan bagassa

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 21

Noun (2)

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing baggage

• bag and baggage
• baggage claim
• hand baggage

Kids Definition

baggage

noun

bag·​gage

ˈbag-ij

: the traveling bags and personal belongings of a traveler : luggage