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

The roomy shoulder bag can be converted into a crossbody bag by adjusting the chain strap, embracing a similar messenger bag style design recently worn by Kate Hudson. —Melony Forcier, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025

Currently available at a 27 percent discount, this slim messenger bag is complete with several pockets and designed to ward off pickpockets with a five-point anti-theft system. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2025

Messenger bag: The messenger bag is a larger version of a classic sling and works well for work settings. —Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025

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

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