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

Sullivan also told the Herald of concerns related to luggage and vehicle tampering, saying that checked baggage could potentially be tampered with, swapped, or intercepted during the long transit between the suburban facility and Boston. —Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026

Paxton came to the race with legal and personal baggage. —Claudia Grisales, NPR, 26 May 2026

According to Barnett, the differentiation in Shaklee’s protein product comes from formulation discipline — stripping away the fat, sugar and carbohydrate baggage that comes with most protein products on shelves. —Shimite Obialo, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Etihad Rail’s passenger trains are expected to include Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, overhead storage, space for larger baggage, and accessibility features. —Hana Al-Khodairi, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 May 2026

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