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

The attack ads that exaggerate and lie about their opponents, without mentioning their myopic support for their dear leader whose baggage has destroyed America’s standing in the world, are astounding. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026

The Kansas City Chiefs have also long shown a tolerance for players with baggage. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Flight attendants aren’t responsible for the weather, delays, baggage fees, or most airline policies, so don’t take your frustrations out on the people who are there to keep you safe and comfortable to the best of their abilities. — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Travelers pay for baggage, seat reservations, in-person check-in or using a credit card. — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 20 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