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

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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

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 16 Apr. 2025.

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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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