handbag

noun

hand·​bag ˈhan(d)-ˌbag How to pronounce handbag (audio)
1
2
: a bag held in the hand or hung from a shoulder strap and used for carrying small personal articles and money

Examples of handbag in a Sentence

flies only with a handbag so he doesn't have to check his luggage her handbag is just big enough to hold her favorite photos and wallet
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
To complete her look, Hilton Rothschild accessorized with a matching pillbox hat, dainty earrings and a diamond necklace, along with a shimmering silver handbag and pumps with crystal details. Maggie Clancy, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024 The collection is made by Western handbag and accessory manufacturer Montana West, which also produces handbags for Lee’s sister brand, Wrangler. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2024 Officials received spa treatments, top-shelf alcohol, designer handbags, leather goods, designer furniture, watches, fountain pens, ornamental swords and handmade ship models, according to court documents. Elias Lopez, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024 Some bring personal objects to be stenciled—computer cases, handbags and other objects. R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for handbag 

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of handbag was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near handbag

Cite this Entry

“Handbag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handbag. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

handbag

noun
hand·​bag ˈhan(d)-ˌbag How to pronounce handbag (audio)
1
2
: a woman's bag for carrying small personal articles and money

More from Merriam-Webster on handbag

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!