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
Like a leather jacket or handbag, these bed frames below will age with grace, weathering into a totally bespoke piece with years of wear.
—
Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2026
The 26th annual signature event, held at the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, included a silent auction showcasing an array of designer and vintage handbags, exclusive experience packages, and exciting grab bag opportunities.
—Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
There’s a dedicated library section where the shoes and handbags will be.
—Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Add a trendy touch with a breezy black peplum top or a puff-sleeve blouse, then complete the look with matching flats and a handbag.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for handbag
Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2026
The 26th annual signature event, held at the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, included a silent auction showcasing an array of designer and vintage handbags, exclusive experience packages, and exciting grab bag opportunities.
—Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
There’s a dedicated library section where the shoes and handbags will be.
—Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Add a trendy touch with a breezy black peplum top or a puff-sleeve blouse, then complete the look with matching flats and a handbag.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for handbag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handbag
Noun
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With their sleek all-black exterior, the Under Armour Men’s Charged Rogue 5 Sneakers will pair with just about everything in your suitcase, all while keeping your feet impossibly comfortable day in and day out.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
30 May 2026
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In 2024, fans of the show began recreating contestant Kordell Beckham’s iconic moment of spinning in a circle with a suitcase in hand.—
Carolyn Burt,
Oc Register,
29 May 2026
Noun
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The sprinting, swimming and weightlifting event that allows athletes to take performance-enhancing drugs held its inaugural event in Las Vegas, where organizers had hyped the competition as a PED-friendly Olympics with high drama, big purses and shattered records.—
Robert Abitbol,
USA Today,
30 May 2026
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The outcome was its reversal, and the reversal came from the branch of government that holds the purse.—
Ingmar Rentzhog,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Noun
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Mexican authorities seized 24 doses of methamphetamine, a bag of marijuana, four cartridges, three cellphones, bank cards, a wallet, and various forms of identification from the Tijuana home, the Mexican Navy Secretariat, which was part of the operation, said on Sunday.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 June 2026
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The bag is lightweight and comfortable enough to wear on long travel days, with multiple interior and exterior pockets designed to help organize your passport, wallet, and other essentials.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 2026
Noun
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The National Federation of Independent Business has warned that small businesses and consumers who rely on energy, rather than oil giants, will end up holding the bag.—
Yaël Ossowski,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
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Wondering which ones deserve a spot in your makeup bag?—
Jenny Berg,
Glamour,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handbag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handbag. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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