1
as in suitcases
a bag carried by hand and designed to hold a traveler's clothing and personal articles
flies only with a handbag so he doesn't have to check his luggage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in purses
a container for carrying money and small personal items
her handbag is just big enough to hold her favorite photos and wallet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of handbags
Since totes are larger than most handbags, designer options usually come with even higher prices than our favorite crossbody bags.
—
Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
Your collection of baseball cards, Birkin handbags or aging Bordeaux may deliver hours of pleasure.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
For instance, their attraction to the late ’90s and early 2000s handbags, rather than the ’60s and ’70s Bonnie Cashin-era styles he’s initially drawn to, pushes him to rethink his approach, dig deeper and experiment with design.
—Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025
Holmes has an enviable collection of handbags, luxe and affordable, high and low.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2025
While mass luxury may pass off plastic handbags or interior car seats as leather, such compromises cheapen the value perception in the eyes of those who know better.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and David Beckham have since sported the accessory on their handbags.
—Catherine Santino, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
Your collection of baseball cards, Birkin handbags or aging Bordeaux may deliver hours of pleasure.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
For instance, their attraction to the late ’90s and early 2000s handbags, rather than the ’60s and ’70s Bonnie Cashin-era styles he’s initially drawn to, pushes him to rethink his approach, dig deeper and experiment with design.
—Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025
Holmes has an enviable collection of handbags, luxe and affordable, high and low.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2025
While mass luxury may pass off plastic handbags or interior car seats as leather, such compromises cheapen the value perception in the eyes of those who know better.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and David Beckham have since sported the accessory on their handbags.
—Catherine Santino, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handbags
Noun
-
The remains went undiscovered for four years — until 2022, when a local family purchased the unit’s contents at auction and opened the suitcases, PEOPLE previously reported.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Kiss messy suitcases goodbye with these genius travel organizers.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The impressive organizational elements also make this option stand out when compared to standard purses.—
Rachel Trujillo,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
-
There are built in hooks at the top for purses or belts and multi-sized metal frames that can hold scarves or even tank tops.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Since then, Klarna has expanded to hundreds of thousands of merchants and embedded itself in internet browsers and digital wallets as an alternative to credit cards.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Mobile wallets simplify payments for users.—
Andrew Riabchuk,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
At Gilt, a low-key site that offers impressive deals on designer clothes, accessories, and shoes, Longchamp bags of all sizes and styles are up to 33 percent off.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Jw Pei Hana Mini Tote Bag City days call for chic bags, and the JW Pei Hana Mini Tote is exactly that.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Sherpani Meridian 22-inch Carry-on The travel brand Sherpani, known for its anti-theft crossbody bags and convertible backpacks, is hosting a huge Amazon sale, with some of its best-selling commuter and travel bags currently listed at 40 percent off.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
-
September marks more than the return of pencils, backpacks, and lunchboxes.—
Jennifer Jay Palumbo,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handbags.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handbags. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share