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.
Protect leather shoes and handbags by storing them in airtight containers with the silica gel pouches they are packaged with. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 June 2026 But Haaland’s enviable collection has triggered another round of discussion about men and the innocent handbag. — Teddy Brown, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 For another night out in the Big Apple in April, Swift again carried a bag from Dior—this time a small black Dior handbag with gold jewelry. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 4 July 2026 Upon opening, the store will feature Toteme’s pre-fall 2026 collection of women’s handbags, shoes, accessories, jewelry, swimwear and ready-to-wear. — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 2 July 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 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on handbag

Nglish: Translation of handbag for Spanish Speakers

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