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
Bop around the boutique shops on Charles Street selling everything from vintage handbags to eclectic home decor, and duck into Beacon Hill Books & Cafe for warm chai oatmeal or a cup of coffee and a browse.
—
Kori Perten, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025
While another woman stumbled on a leather handbag only to find something incredible inside—a ring with an 18k hallmark and beautiful gemstone.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
The theme trickles down to accessories, MCM’s bread and butter, with judo belts wrapped around its signature handbags, which double up as shoulders straps.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025
With its gold hardware, the timeless style is classic and simple for a no-frills option that’s sure to fit in most of your handbags.
—Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handbag
Kori Perten, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025
While another woman stumbled on a leather handbag only to find something incredible inside—a ring with an 18k hallmark and beautiful gemstone.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
The theme trickles down to accessories, MCM’s bread and butter, with judo belts wrapped around its signature handbags, which double up as shoulders straps.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025
With its gold hardware, the timeless style is classic and simple for a no-frills option that’s sure to fit in most of your handbags.
—Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handbag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handbag
Noun
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Freeing up space in a carry-on suitcase is always a tough feat, especially on a long trip.—
Emily Belfiore,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Sep. 2025
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The same guy that's gonna pay them is the same guy that paid that guy to bone-saw Jamal Khashoggi and put him in a f---ing suitcase.—
Jessica Wang,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Linebacker Cole Christiansen’s wife, Morgan, also shared her game-day fit that included one of the clear-plastic purses the Chiefs gifted the team’s WAGs.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
28 Sep. 2025
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Unlike other major golf tournaments, there is no Ryder Cup purse or total prize fund.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Sealed under the back of her clear plastic phone case is a wallet-size photo of her son.—
Anna Gaca,
Pitchfork,
1 Oct. 2025
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His wallet was found near the remains.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The girls were found dead on June 2 with plastic bags over their heads and evidence that their hands had been zip-tied near their father's truck.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
26 Sep. 2025
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To find more of the best deals in Nordstrom’s fall sale, check out the rest of our top picks below with everything from flowy dresses to accessories like jewelry and sunglasses, jackets, bucket bags, and more.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handbag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handbag. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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