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

There's a lot to consider before booking a flight with American Airlines, from fare classes and amenities to baggage policies and loyalty benefits. —Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2026

This means that what started off as a cost-saving initiative creates more revenue for airlines today than even excess baggage fees. —Nigel Vaz, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2026

The project also upgraded BWI's baggage handling system, increasing capacity by more than 60%, the airport announced. —Julie Hanson, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026

Staff then discovered the baggage handler stuck in the cargo hold, according to the outlet. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 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