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

• carry-on
• carryall
• grip
• holdall [chiefly British]
• portmanteau
• suitcase
• traveling bag
• 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

Amazon Prime Day always sees price drops on fun buys like affordable handbags, drugstore foundations, and stylish home decor upgrades. —Claire Sullivan, WWD, 16 July 2024

Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale bag deals Another Nordstrom sale, another avalanche of deals on designer handbags. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 15 July 2024

Jolie wore a simple black dress for the occasion with black heels and a matching black handbag. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 13 July 2024

There was a time towards the late 2010s when designers collectively refused to produce handbags bigger than the size of their palms. —Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 10 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

handbag

noun

hand·​bag ˈhan(d)-ˌbag 

1

: suitcase

2

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