baggage

1 of 2

noun (1)

bag·​gage ˈba-gij How to pronounce baggage (audio)
1
: suitcases, trunks, and personal belongings of travelers : luggage
2
: transportable equipment especially of a military force
3
: intangible things (such as feelings, circumstances, or beliefs) that get in the way
emotional baggage

baggage

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
dated : a contemptible or disreputable woman
"I can buy her off. If she took money from him—the mercenary, painted baggage!—why, then, she'll take it from me."Edward Bulwer-Lytton
2
dated : a young woman

Examples of baggage in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Since then, many airlines have followed suit, as well as hitting travelers with hefty excess baggage fees. New Atlas, 18 Dec. 2024 The bet the Lakers made on Bronny James always carried a tremendous amount of baggage, their second-round draft pick impossible to separate from the team’s star who made no secret about wanting to play with his son. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024 The discovery was made after the customs agency questioned the woman and conducted a baggage search of her red carry-on duffle bag. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024 Added amenities, such as baggage fees, travel insurance, car rentals or accommodations are not included in the deal, according to Amazon. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for baggage 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English bagage, from Middle French, from bagues belongings, baggage

Noun (2)

probably modification of Middle French bagasse, from Old Occitan bagassa

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of baggage was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near baggage

Cite this Entry

“Baggage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baggage. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

baggage

noun
bag·​gage
ˈbag-ij
: the traveling bags and personal belongings of a traveler : luggage
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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