1
as in suitcase
a bag carried by hand and designed to hold a traveler's clothing and personal articles
flies only with a handbag so he doesn't have to check his luggage
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in purse
a container for carrying money and small personal items
her handbag is just big enough to hold her favorite photos and wallet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of handbag
The Monica Small Crossbody Bag isn’t the only super cute handbag on sale.
—
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2025
At Balenciaga, Raynaud has been instrumental in the success of the brand’s handbags, including Le Cagole and Rodeo, of which Kering CFO Armelle Poulou emphasised the importance during the group’s first-quarter earnings call.
—Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2025
Weighing just 3 to 4 kilograms (6 to 8 pounds)—small enough to fit inside a handbag—Toothless was named for his missing teeth and distinctive jaw.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Similar to handbags and jackets, there’s something luxurious about incorporating a velvety finish to your look.
—India Roby, Glamour, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handbag
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2025
At Balenciaga, Raynaud has been instrumental in the success of the brand’s handbags, including Le Cagole and Rodeo, of which Kering CFO Armelle Poulou emphasised the importance during the group’s first-quarter earnings call.
—Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2025
Weighing just 3 to 4 kilograms (6 to 8 pounds)—small enough to fit inside a handbag—Toothless was named for his missing teeth and distinctive jaw.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Similar to handbags and jackets, there’s something luxurious about incorporating a velvety finish to your look.
—India Roby, Glamour, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handbag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handbag
Noun
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Nothing is worse than unpacking your suitcase and seeing that your overpriced moisturizer has spilled onto your favorite sweater—avoid that kind of mess with the Crush Toiletry Bag, available in several fun shades.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
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Swain agreed and boarded the red-eye to Heathrow toting a bulging roller suitcase packed full of financials.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
1 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The simplicity of a compact shoulder bag is invaluable for date nights, running errands, or getting drinks with friends — especially if that purse is spacious enough for a phone, wallet, lipstick, and other small necessities.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
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According to our readers, these are the most popular retro sweets grandma always had in her candy dish or purse.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Stash your phone, wallet, and keys in the middle zip pocket and keep your notebook, pens, and snacks in either of the two open compartments.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
4 Nov. 2025
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These inexpensive tools prevent scammers from reading your card information through clothing, bags, or wallets.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Anything from a bag of rice to beans, anything's gonna help.—
Daniel McFadin,
Arkansas Online,
6 Nov. 2025
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Flight attendants say to pack smart by using packing cubes and putting heavier items at the bottom of your bag.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handbag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handbag. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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