handbag

noun

hand·​bag ˈhan(d)-ˌbag 

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

• suitcase
• wallet

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

When the sun sets, your style must match the high energy of the city—think flowy dresses, fun handbags, and comfortable shoes that can handle the uneven, blue cobblestone streets of Old San Juan while dancing Bachata late into the night. —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 May 2026

Twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen grab their sunglasses and large black handbags for their stroll in New York City on April 30. —Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026

Designer handbags from brands such as YSL were cited in the investigation and valued at nearly $3,000 each while luxury Gucci shoes were priced at over $1,000. —Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026

Detectives said the pair purchased 224 high-end items online, including designer clothing, cosmetics and handbags. —Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for handbag

• airbag
• ragtag
• sandbag
• ag
• bag
• brag
• dag
• drag
• flag
• gag
• hag
• hagg

Kids Definition

handbag

noun

hand·​bag ˈhan(d)-ˌbag 

1

: suitcase

2

: a woman's bag for carrying small personal articles and money