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

These young Indians are not saddled with the historical baggage of ties to conventional opposition parties. — Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026

Fenerbahce is a club with a propensity to sign high-profile players who are either past their peak or have some form of baggage attached. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Jen, however, reportedly felt that starring opposite Ben as an estranged couple would bring too much real-life baggage to the screen. — Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026

Airlines have responded by cutting some cheaper and less profitable routes, jacking up baggage fees and raising airfare. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 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