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

Benefits include business lounge access, the opportunity to get up to 50% extra miles that can be redeemed for additional rewards, and increased free baggage allowance. — Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026

In addition to new gates and concourses, United passengers will get a new state of the art check-in area in the main terminal and a faster baggage system. — Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 29 July 2026

Top prediction market platforms like Kalshi are going all-out to maintain market share, and that has sometimes meant funding social media profiles with significant followings but also significant baggage. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 28 July 2026

Despite the hefty price tag, Travel + Leisure writers will tell you that the Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel is worth the one-time splurge to avoid multiple baggage fees in the future. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 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