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

On level three, there’s footwear, handbags and accessories, bringing together Maison Faebelle, Aquazzura, Fratelli Rossetti, Gianvito Rossi, Glorinha Paranaguá, René Caovilla and others. — David Moin, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026

By Monday, even the coffee giant Starbucks had taken a side, alluding to the debate in an Instagram post that featured an image of someone holding an iced coffee in one hand and sunglasses and their handbag in the other. — Natalie Bennett, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2026

Luxury items have already proved themselves for Christie’s, where watches, jewelry, handbags, and wine can provide a relatively familiar way into an institution that can otherwise appear forbidding. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Tyler Ellis, a designer who was born and raised in Los Angeles and produces her eponymous collection of handbags and evening bags out of Florence, Italy, took the first-place finish ahead with an MIV of $428,000. — Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 21 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