handbag

noun

hand·​bag ˈhan(d)-ˌbag How to pronounce handbag (audio)
1
2
: a bag held in the hand or hung from a shoulder strap and used for carrying small personal articles and money

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Coinciding with the exhibition, Moynat debuted its handbags and small leather goods collaboration with Lung in Shanghai. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2025 For versatility yet simplicity, the Nolita 19 is the ideal Coach Outlet handbag. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025 Iannone says his own conversations with eBay users have prompted changes, such as raising the limit on the number of photographs featured in each handbag listing, and alerts that advise sellers when a buyer is loyal enough to merit a special offer or a personalized note. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025 The way Helping Handbags works is that people gather donated, brand-new handbags ahead of time. Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for handbag

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of handbag was in 1859

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handbag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handbag. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

handbag

noun
hand·​bag ˈhan(d)-ˌbag How to pronounce handbag (audio)
1
2
: a woman's bag for carrying small personal articles and money

More from Merriam-Webster on handbag

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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