handbag

noun

hand·​bag ˈhan(d)-ˌbag 

1

: suitcase

2

: a bag held in the hand or hung from a shoulder strap and used for carrying small personal articles and money

Synonyms of handbag

• suitcase
• wallet

Examples of handbag in a Sentence

flies only with a handbag so he doesn't have to check his luggage

her handbag is just big enough to hold her favorite photos and wallet

Recent Examples on the Web

It can be attached to a handbag, keys, backpack or other items. — Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Then, accessorize with a simple black thong sandal and woven handbag—two end-of-summer staples not to stow away just yet. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

In addition to a standalone Shop page, the app rolled out a live-auction feature where independent sellers could put up anything from designer handbags and vintage clothes, to rare coins, baseball cards, and even precious stones. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2026

Specialty clothing or footwear designed for athletic activity or protective use and accessory items like jewelry, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets and watches are not included in the sales tax exemption. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for handbag

• airbag
• ragtag
• sandbag
• ag
• bag
• brag
• dag
• drag
• flag
• gag
• hag
• hagg

Kids Definition

handbag

noun

hand·​bag ˈhan(d)-ˌbag 

1

: suitcase

2

: a woman's bag for carrying small personal articles and money