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

Paige Paige launched its first-ever handbag collection produced in house. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 24 July 2026

Fine art, classic cars, watches, handbags, diamonds, whiskey and even dinosaur bones are all seeing new records. — Robert Frank, CNBC, 24 July 2026

For weekend plans, that might mean pairing a flowy dress with a playful handbag; for date night, don’t be afraid to show some skin in a cutout number. — Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 23 July 2026

The brand’s collection of clear purses ranges from traditional crossbody and belt bags to totes and handbags, with several decked out in fun fringe for a festival aesthetic like no other. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 23 July 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