handbag

noun

hand·​bag ˈhan(d)-ˌbag How to pronounce handbag (audio)
Synonyms of handbagnext
1
: suitcase
2
: a bag held in the hand or hung from a shoulder strap and used for carrying small personal articles and money

Synonyms of handbag

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Examples of handbag in a Sentence

flies only with a handbag so he doesn't have to check his luggage her handbag is just big enough to hold her favorite photos and wallet
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.
While Guccio Gucci founded the brand back in 1921, the horsebit motif didn’t start cropping up until 1940, seen primarily on luggage, belts and early handbags. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2026 The collection features sophisticated pieces with luxury prices ranging between $128 and $393 for clothing, $325 to $375 for shoes, and $1,200 to $3,600 for handbags. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 3 Sep. 2026 Lopez wore her ivory satin dress, which featured a square neckline, with sleek pumps, aviator sunglasses, and a crocodile Hermès Kelly handbag worth $35,000. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handbag

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of handbag was in 1859

Rhymes for handbag

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Browse Nearby Words

hand back
handbag
hand baggage
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Cite this Entry

“Handbag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handbag. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

handbag

noun
hand·​bag ˈhan(d)-ˌbag How to pronounce handbag (audio)
1
: suitcase
2
: a woman's bag for carrying small personal articles and money
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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