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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of handbag
Versatile handbags The best tote bags are practical enough for long-haul flights and can even double as your beach bag.
—
Natalie Hammond, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Mar. 2026
The handbag had just enough space for my phone and wallet inside, and the detachable leather strap gave me the freedom of toting it like a clutch while strutting down Sixth Avenue.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for handbag
Natalie Hammond, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Mar. 2026
The handbag had just enough space for my phone and wallet inside, and the detachable leather strap gave me the freedom of toting it like a clutch while strutting down Sixth Avenue.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for handbag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handbag
Noun
-
The slip-on design is TSA-friendly (no holding up the line at security), and the lightweight build won’t weigh down your suitcase.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
-
And that can be put into a warhead or it can even be put into a suitcase.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Thanks to its woven look, the purse is reminiscent of far-pricier luxury styles on the market.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Rokke is providing financial support to the race, including boosting the race purse by $100,000 to a total of $650,000 and providing $170,000 in support for the 17 Alaska Native villages that serve as checkpoints.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Domestic brands gained wallet share as retailers and liquor stores encouraged shoppers to instead buy Canadian.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Even if Iowans aren't purchasing diesel fuel, price increases can still hit their wallets.—
Lucia Cheng,
Des Moines Register,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Style it with sneakers and a belt bag for a walking tour, then switch to dressier accessories for a night out.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Keep reading for more of Michael Kors Outlet’s best bags below.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handbag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handbag. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
