handbag

noun

hand·​bag ˈhan(d)-ˌbag 

1

: suitcase

2

: a bag held in the hand or hung from a shoulder strap and used for carrying small personal articles and money

Synonyms of handbag

• suitcase
• wallet

Examples of handbag in a Sentence

flies only with a handbag so he doesn't have to check his luggage

her handbag is just big enough to hold her favorite photos and wallet

Recent Examples on the Web

Some Demna-sized—as in, calculatedly oversized—tailoring, and lots of bitchy, bratty handbag holding that made the accessories a focal point of most looks in the collection. —José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 17 May 2026

Watches, handbags and clothing will not. —Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

This minimalist canvas backpack is just as sleek as its handbag counterparts, delivering a featherlight, bulk-free carrying solution at 17 percent off. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026

Keep things correct for vacation with a surprisingly roomy handbag and walking sandals that don’t look orthopedic in the slightest. —Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for handbag

• airbag
• ragtag
• sandbag
• ag
• bag
• brag
• dag
• drag
• flag
• gag
• hag
• hagg

Kids Definition

handbag

noun

hand·​bag ˈhan(d)-ˌbag 

1

: suitcase

2

: a woman's bag for carrying small personal articles and money