handbag

noun

hand·​bag ˈhan(d)-ˌbag 

1

: suitcase

2

: a bag held in the hand or hung from a shoulder strap and used for carrying small personal articles and money

Synonyms

• carry-on
• carryall
• grip
• holdall [chiefly British]
• portmanteau
• suitcase
• traveling bag
• wallet

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

Alt Vault is another solution that started with luxury watches but has since expanded to include handbags, sneakers, fragrances and other products. —Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Jan. 2025

Over the years, that same attention to detail married with a love of simple silhouettes has carried over from clothing and into The Row’s coveted collection of handbags. —Alexis Bennett Parker, Vogue, 7 Jan. 2025

Her phone would stay with her, in a woven handbag draped over her blue poncho. —Jordan Salama, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025

Fashionistas who’ve long lusted after Hermès exclusive and ultra-expensive Birkin handbag got a pre-holiday treat thanks to Walmart.com. —Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

handbag

noun

hand·​bag ˈhan(d)-ˌbag 

1

: suitcase

2

: a woman's bag for carrying small personal articles and money