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

There’s no denying that the fall 2026 runways made a strong case for color; even the street style scene is on board, slipping into colorful shoes and sporting handbags in a variety of vibrant shades—baby pink, chartreuse, and cobalt. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

His store in Elk Grove — which sells handbags, Rolex watches and jewelry — has outgrown its space. — Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026

High-ticket electronics were the flashpoint, but jewelry, luxury handbags, sneakers and graded cards produce the same optics when a $147 bid returns a $20 item. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026

King paired the look with a small structured black handbag and layered pendant necklaces. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 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