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

Lighter shades will elevate and pair nicely with a white button-down shirt, for example, while a dark gray jean offers an edgy vibe when mixed with a sleek black top and leather handbag. —Alexandre Marain, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2026

Officers said one of the suspects held the two victims, a man and a woman, at gunpoint while the others forcibly stole two handbags. —Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026

Jenner's six-figure handbag is already covered in bling. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026

Keep reading for other handbags, totes, and wristlets worth your attention—from $29. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 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