1
as in suitcases
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 purses
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 handbags
Styling is a mixed bag, bringing together items like utility trousers, vintage handbags, romantic florals and lace trim.
—
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 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
Coach’s handbags are understandably well-loved for this exact reason.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2026
This hanging cube organizer is a convenient place to store bulkier items such as sweaters, shoes, and handbags.
—Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
According to Brown, after stringent authentication processes are followed, jewelry is typically polished before being listed, while handbags are professionally cleaned.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Vintage costume jewelry and handbags also hold surprising value and are a delight to pass down.
—Ashley Poskin, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
Adidas slashed prices on its hottest sneakers, and Coach Outlet just added so many chic handbags that are somehow already up to $219-off.
—Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 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
Coach’s handbags are understandably well-loved for this exact reason.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2026
This hanging cube organizer is a convenient place to store bulkier items such as sweaters, shoes, and handbags.
—Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
According to Brown, after stringent authentication processes are followed, jewelry is typically polished before being listed, while handbags are professionally cleaned.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Vintage costume jewelry and handbags also hold surprising value and are a delight to pass down.
—Ashley Poskin, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
Adidas slashed prices on its hottest sneakers, and Coach Outlet just added so many chic handbags that are somehow already up to $219-off.
—Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handbags
Noun
-
In May 2004, police recovered three suitcases containing various body parts of a White male, per The Star-Ledger.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
-
This 27-inch ice scraper and snow brush tool is equipped with a durable ABS shaft (the same material that’s used in some hardside suitcases) and a supportive EVA cotton handle that can hold up against temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
To shop for more purses at Quince, keep scrolling.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Three or four masked individuals wearing dark clothing then allegedly entered the unit with handguns and demanded wallets and purses from the juveniles, according to police.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
2 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Or another extreme swing of the pendulum, guided by the ultrawealthy closing and opening their wallets?—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
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The new provisions, meant to fatten Americans' wallets, can also cause confusion, accountants said.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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These bags are made from food grade silicone that’s free from toxins like lead, latex, phthalates, BPA, and BPS.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
27 Jan. 2026
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An investigation found the two may have been involved, the department said that day in a news release, and a knife and a note were found in one of the girls’ bags.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Or, shop other best-selling leather travel backpacks from the brand, below.—
Michelle Baricevic,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Jan. 2026
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Just in time for a 2016 renaissance, Target dropped prices on more Vera Bradley bags, including backpacks, toiletry organizers, and larger duffels, starting at just $12.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handbags.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handbags. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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