handbag

noun

hand·​bag ˈhan(d)-ˌbag How to pronounce handbag (audio)
Synonyms of handbagnext
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.
Aura said her fluffy skirt and matching sparkly handbag got lots of attention. Ava Berger, NPR, 28 Mar. 2026 Luggage has become a luxury status symbol—even for commercial jet-setters—a style statement on par with limited-edition sneakers and hard-to-get handbags. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2026 Acclaimed director, producer and screenwriter Spike Lee hit the red carpet carrying a handbag designed by Detroit native Runyaro Richardson, a moment that quickly elevated her brand on a global stage. Lauren Winfrey, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026 There were at least three Hermès bags, too, including a black Niloticus lizard Birkin 20 (belonging to Ecuador’s Lavinia Valbonesi), another Birkin, and a Kelly handbag. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handbag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handbag. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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

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