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
Right now, best-selling handbags and wallets are marked down by as much as 82 percent, with plenty of spring-ready pastels and light neutrals to choose from.
—
Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
Virginia business owner Sarah Wells, who manufactures handbags and accessories, gets five calls and texts a day offering hundreds of thousands of dollars within a day.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026
There’s also another hook underneath that’s ideal for hats, handbags, and scarves.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
Nervous hands rummaging for tissues in handbags, sweaty embraces, last words of advice—and then, we were gone.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Clearly, the brand has perfected the formula for creating handbags that marry style and function at a reasonable price.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
Under his predecessor Virginie Viard and the studio team that succeeded her, Chanel relied on brand codes writ large — witness the giant pearl necklace handbags of its last collection.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026
The touches of personal embroidery on little muslin handkerchiefs and the ‘ghost’ handbags were a clever touch.
—Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026
Guess has also been working to reposition itself within the fashion market, shifting its merchandise mix toward higher-margin categories such as handbags, accessories and licensing, while accelerating investment in digital channels and direct-to-consumer capabilities.
—Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
Virginia business owner Sarah Wells, who manufactures handbags and accessories, gets five calls and texts a day offering hundreds of thousands of dollars within a day.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026
There’s also another hook underneath that’s ideal for hats, handbags, and scarves.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
Nervous hands rummaging for tissues in handbags, sweaty embraces, last words of advice—and then, we were gone.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Clearly, the brand has perfected the formula for creating handbags that marry style and function at a reasonable price.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
Under his predecessor Virginie Viard and the studio team that succeeded her, Chanel relied on brand codes writ large — witness the giant pearl necklace handbags of its last collection.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026
The touches of personal embroidery on little muslin handkerchiefs and the ‘ghost’ handbags were a clever touch.
—Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026
Guess has also been working to reposition itself within the fashion market, shifting its merchandise mix toward higher-margin categories such as handbags, accessories and licensing, while accelerating investment in digital channels and direct-to-consumer capabilities.
—Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handbags
Noun
-
Sling Cross Body If you’re already set on suitcases, snag yourself this waterproof sling bag instead.—
Michelle Baricevic,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Adames also suggests buying suitcases with four wheels.—
Kelsey Legg,
ABC News,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Avoid pillowcases with large holes that can allow dust to enter, and choose light colors since dark colors and designs may bleed onto leather purses or clothing and stain them.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The story of Murphy’s career included many winning mounts, millions of dollars in purses, controversies and poisonings.—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
New Yorkers with lighter wallets need not despair.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Social Security benefits make a big difference in the wallets of many Americans.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Residents were prepared with Ziploc bags full of change, and the runners would give Mardi Gras beads in return for money.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
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For the first time on Tuesday, members of the public had to pass through metal detectors and send bags through X-ray machines to access the Capitol on the first day of a session — new security measures that came in the wake of last summer’s violence against state lawmakers.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Players, parents and coaches could be seen all over downtown with backpacks and balls while donning club team apparel.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
16 Feb. 2026
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The Olympic racers, however, won’t have much in their backpacks — just balloons or puffy jackets to give the bag enough structure to carry skis.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handbags.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handbags. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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