briefcase

noun

brief·​case ˈbrēf-ˌkās How to pronounce briefcase (audio)
Synonyms of briefcasenext
: a flat flexible case for carrying papers or books

Examples of briefcase 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.
Everyone has the late-night parking garage and the briefcase full of cash in their pocket. — Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 The tote got a further leg up in the 21st century, when an increasingly casual office culture began to leave the briefcase behind, and heightened environmental concerns (and at times, legislation) prompted shoppers to bring their own reusable bags. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026 Koko shows me into his house, where his two friendly cats climb all over a dining room table covered in hard-shell Pelican cases — think a boxy briefcase made of industrial plastic — crammed with electrical gear. — Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026 Videos showed the participants packed into a park, including one dressed as a sheikh with a briefcase full of Brazilian reais. — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for briefcase

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of briefcase was in 1900

Rhymes for briefcase

See All Rhymes for briefcase

Browse Nearby Words

brief bag
briefcase
briefing
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

briefcase

noun
brief·​case ˈbrēf-ˌkās How to pronounce briefcase (audio)
: a flat case for carrying papers or books

More from Merriam-Webster on briefcase

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