SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

clutch bag

noun

Definition of clutch bag

: a woman's small usually strapless handbag

See clutch bag defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of clutch bag

1947

CLUTCH BAG Defined for English Language Learners

clutch bag

noun

Definition of clutch bag for English Language Learners

: a small bag that women use especially on formal occasions : a small handbag

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up clutch bag? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

culminate

play

to reach the highest or a decisive point

Words at Play

alt-5953d7f904965

'Patriot' Hasn't Always Been Positive

The word has roots in a religious rivalry

alt-5949565fc7d94

'Negging' Moves Beyond The Bar

Not just for pick-up artists anymore

alt-5947fc40f1b5c

In Tech, What Does 'K' Mean?

A buzzword with a long history.

alt-5951697e1a410

When To Use 'Specious' vs. 'Spurious'

These similar words are not interchangeable

Ask the Editors

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

Is it wrong to use 'decimate' to mean 'destroy'?

Language changes

video-irregardless-grammar-peeve-blend-of-the-synonyms-irrespective-and-regardless

Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

video-moose-goose-weird-plurals

Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

istock-refers-to-this-as-a-tumble-of-strawberries-which-sounded-pretty-nice-to-us

June 2017 Words of the Day Quiz

Summer's first WOTD quiz.

Take the quiz

alt-5941ad7527c3c

Yearbook Superlatives Quiz

Is that your picture under "Largest Vocabulary"?

Take the quiz

True or False?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

Take the quiz

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!

Play the game