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

The best Prime Day handbag deals are coming, with the two-day sale officially kicking off Tuesday, October 6. — Malia Griggs, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2026

The line includes new editions of Eittem’s distinctive woodgrain handbags, priced from $5,500 to $7,900, as well as brooches ($750–$950) and a editioned sculpture ($10,000). — Andy Battaglia For Artnews, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026

Rich chocolate-brown suede is also having a moment across coats, blazers and bombers, and is even trickling down into accessories like handbags according to a stylist and editor roundup from Yahoo! — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

Today, Blackwood’s brand is worth a hefty sum, with new handbags released every season and custom couture underway for the famous and forward thinking. — Camille Okhio, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 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