messenger bag

noun

: a rectangular bag that is large enough to carry papers, books, etc., and that usually has a wide shoulder strap and a flap that typically covers the opening and much or all of the front of the bag

Instead, the Oaklander bought a messenger bag … . After being popularized and perfected during the golden era of bike messengers, the one-strap, one-flap, over-the-shoulder bag has become ubiquitous.

—Maghan McDowell

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The best part is that the polyester exterior is super easy to clean, so this messenger bag will look good as new for quite a long time. —Erika Reals, Peoplemag, 10 Jan. 2023

This messenger bag comes in four different leather finishes that are on sale at the same price point. —Ellen Mcalpine, Good Housekeeping, 21 Nov. 2022

For an old-fashioned leather messenger bag that will always be in style, Tecovas and Shinola make great options. —Brad Lanphear, Men's Health, 21 Dec. 2022

Rapper Offset performed at E11EVEN Miami wearing a utility vest and a fuzzy messenger bag. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2022

Instead of being a dedicated Switch hard case, this messenger bag is much more akin to a camera bag, with dividers and pouches to fit all your Switch gear. —Kevin Cortez, Popular Mechanics, 18 Nov. 2022

The must-buy accessories—like a messenger bag or comfy sneaker—are also grounded in practicality, a refreshing antithesis to the itty-bitty micro bags and sky-high platforms that trended this summer. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2022

But there’s a particular designer messenger bag that celebrities have been favoring this fall: Stars like Jennifer Lopez, Jodie Turner-Smith, Olivia Wilde, and more are all fans of Gucci’s sleek Attaché bags. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2022

First, there was the Chanel On The Pavements graffiti messenger bag from spring 2015, which Hadid has been spotted with on a number of occasions, including during fashion month last season. —Emily Chan, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above