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

Unifi Aviation is one of the largest ground handling companies in the US and contracts with airlines to staff all sorts of airport operations, serving as gate agents, cabin cleaners, and ramp baggage handlers. —Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 19 July 2024

The airline recently updated its baggage policy for basic economy, by allowing passengers to bring a free carry-on. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2024

For airlines that won’t cover hotel stays and meals, go to the baggage service office in baggage claim and ask about the distressed traveler rate, Leff says. —Allie Volpe, Vox, 19 July 2024

But during the baggage inspection, agriculture specialists noticed a tied, woven bag with an odd odor. —Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 16 July 2024

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 1

Noun (2)

1594, 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