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

Swift, 34, capped off her look with brown chunky loafers from Reformation and a matching brown messenger bag by Joseph Duclos. —Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 26 Mar. 2024

Briefcases and messenger bags are notoriously boring — that’s why our knowledgeable commerce testing editor, Jackie Cucco, is a big fan of the refreshingly stylish design of the Oslo Slim Laptop Bag. —Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2024

Recently, he has been photographed with a Gucci Mickey Mouse cross-body, a Bottega Veneta Andiamo, a Goyard monogram messenger bag, and a black Hermès Kelly adorned with gold hardware. —Alex Kessler, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2023

During Milan Fashion Week last week, Bella Hadid was also spotted carrying a graffitied Chanel messenger bag from its spring 2015 collection. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2022

The messenger bag features two top zip closures, side pockets, and an exterior dual zip pocket, plus the bag comes with a complementary changing pad. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 27 Oct. 2023

The best part is that the polyester exterior is super easy to clean (as well as waterproof), so this messenger bag will look good as new for quite a long time. —Erika Reals, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2023

Known for: Minimal details and curved silhouettes Silver & Riley Founded by Lola Banjo, Silver & Riley offers luxury travel accessories made from premium full-grain leather, including messenger bags and carryall duffles. —Cortne Bonilla, Harper's BAZAAR, 7 Aug. 2023

This goes for backpacks, purses, handbags, camera bags, messenger bags, soft-sided coolers and any style of bag. —Drew Dawson, Journal Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above