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
Eight contestants and Erika, a skinny producer with the look of a furious terrier glaring at them from a handbag.
—
Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Jan. 2026
Belk Market sells an assortment of brands in men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, as well as shoes, handbags, accessories, home décor and fine jewelry, with frequent merchandise rotation.
—Charlotte Observer, 16 Jan. 2026
As Forbes has previously reported, the secondary market — once viewed as a niche or secondary — is moving into mainstream retail, particularly in luxury categories like watches and handbags, where scarcity, waitlists, and counterfeits have long complicated access.
—Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Chanel figured in the theatrical release poster of Kristen Stweart’s Spencer, in which the actor carried a Chanel handbag in her first scene as Princess Diana.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handbag
Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Jan. 2026
Belk Market sells an assortment of brands in men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, as well as shoes, handbags, accessories, home décor and fine jewelry, with frequent merchandise rotation.
—Charlotte Observer, 16 Jan. 2026
As Forbes has previously reported, the secondary market — once viewed as a niche or secondary — is moving into mainstream retail, particularly in luxury categories like watches and handbags, where scarcity, waitlists, and counterfeits have long complicated access.
—Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Chanel figured in the theatrical release poster of Kristen Stweart’s Spencer, in which the actor carried a Chanel handbag in her first scene as Princess Diana.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 15 Jan. 2026
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,
9 Jan. 2026
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Investigators say a window was damaged during the break-in and two suitcases were taken from the vehicle.—
Christopher Harris,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This could include your purse, computer bag, gym bag, or backpack—thoroughly examine any bags before bringing them into your house.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
23 Jan. 2026
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The Best Small Purses for Hands-Free Travel Days These mini purses fit the bare essentials—and little else.—
Connor Sturges,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Its interior pocket has a 2-liter capacity, offering plenty of room for a phone, wallet, keychain, and other necessities.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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Whether commuting for work or running errands, Dana is a carryall with ample space for essentials (think phone, keys, wallet, and sunglasses), along with a 13-inch laptop, water bottle, makeup, portable charger, lightweight jacket, snacks, and a notebook.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Earlier this month, the shop floor of local business Smitten Kitten was filled with bags and boxes of food, household and personal care products.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
24 Jan. 2026
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And don't wait until Saturday to try and find your bags of melting materials.—
John Shumway,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handbag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handbag. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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