messenger bag

noun

: a rectangular bag that is large enough to carry papers, books, etc., and that usually has a wide shoulder strap and a flap that typically covers the opening and much or all of the front of the bag

Instead, the Oaklander bought a messenger bag … . After being popularized and perfected during the golden era of bike messengers, the one-strap, one-flap, over-the-shoulder bag has become ubiquitous.

—Maghan McDowell

Examples of messenger bag in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cross-body hiking: Cross-body hiking slings combine backpacks and messenger bags. —Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025

The two companies reworked Mulberry’s classic messenger bag, the Antony, using Smith’s signature stripe webbing straps, colorblocking and Shadow Stripe embossing. —Samantha Conti, WWD, 22 Jan. 2025

This messenger bag from Travelon isn’t your ordinary travel purse; it’s made with a five-point anti-theft security system to ward off pickpockets. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2025

Keep scrolling to shop more messenger bags and roomy crossbodies inspired by Kate Hudson now. —Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for messenger bag

• ag
• brag
• dag
• drag
• flag
• gag
• hag
• hagg
• lag
• mag
• nag
• rag