baggage

1 of 2

noun (1)

bag·​gage ˈba-gij How to pronounce baggage (audio)
Synonyms of baggagenext
1
: suitcases, trunks, and personal belongings of travelers : luggage
2
: transportable equipment especially of a military force
3
: intangible things (such as feelings, circumstances, or beliefs) that get in the way
emotional baggage

baggage

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
dated : a contemptible or disreputable woman
"I can buy her off. If she took money from him—the mercenary, painted baggage!—why, then, she'll take it from me."—Edward Bulwer-Lytton
2
dated : a young woman

Examples of baggage in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Despite this baggage, the economic report her new organization drafted has concerned lawmakers worried about affordability. — Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 That off-field baggage is now bleeding into Nacua’s contract talks. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Next year’s Superman follow-up Man of Tomorrow hopes to avoid whatever lingering DC baggage and other factors derailed Supergirl. — Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 But the express option is not supposed to be a CTA competitor, the Flyer team said, pitching the train as a ride centered around the needs of air travelers, including luggage racks and even the option to check baggage to their final destination. — Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for baggage

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English bagage, from Middle French, from bagues belongings, baggage

Noun (2)

probably modification of Middle French bagasse, from Old Occitan bagassa

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 21

Noun (2)

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of baggage was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing baggage

Browse Nearby Words

bagful
baggage
baggage car
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Cite this Entry

“Baggage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baggage. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

baggage

noun
bag·​gage
ˈbag-ij
: the traveling bags and personal belongings of a traveler : luggage

More from Merriam-Webster on baggage

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for baggage

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