1
as in suitcase
a bag carried by hand and designed to hold a traveler's clothing and personal articles
flies only with a handbag so he doesn't have to check his luggage
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in purse
a container for carrying money and small personal items
her handbag is just big enough to hold her favorite photos and wallet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of handbag
Some of the types of vendors that are scheduled to be in attendance include makers of art pieces, clothing, handbags, home decor items, jewelry, skin care products and woodwork.
—
Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Beachy handbags, light jackets, classic pearls, chunky boots—your choice of accompaniments can take things from romantic to edgy to eclectic.
—Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 28 Apr. 2026
Princess Kate, 44, wore a navy coat dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen (her bridal gown designer) with white lapels and a matching navy Jane Taylor hat, completing the look with a poignant poppy pin, navy pumps by Gianvito Rossi and a mini DeMellier handbag.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
The drawstring pouch, formally known as the reticule, is widely considered one of the first-ever handbags.
—Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handbag
Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Beachy handbags, light jackets, classic pearls, chunky boots—your choice of accompaniments can take things from romantic to edgy to eclectic.
—Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 28 Apr. 2026
Princess Kate, 44, wore a navy coat dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen (her bridal gown designer) with white lapels and a matching navy Jane Taylor hat, completing the look with a poignant poppy pin, navy pumps by Gianvito Rossi and a mini DeMellier handbag.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
The drawstring pouch, formally known as the reticule, is widely considered one of the first-ever handbags.
—Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handbag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handbag
Noun
-
There’s a trolley sleeve on the back to slip over a suitcase, and the waterproof material will keep your items protected no matter how rough the TSA is with it.—
Olivia Dubyak,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Apr. 2026
-
These included suitcases full of videogames and electronics, private shopping trips to toy stores, exclusive visits to theme parks, introductions to other celebrities, and interstate and international travel.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Shoes, purses, make-up and jewelry were also donated.—
Staff Photographer,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The sleek shape of this shoulder tote is ideal for anyone who wants a travel purse look.—
Olivia Dubyak,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
It’s also outfitted with three interior compartments to keep your wallet, phone, keys, and other contents organized on the go.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Maybe that’s best for players’ wallets, as Boone frequently had to pay Kangaroo Court fines as a youngster with the Reds.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
After a bit of back-and-forth, one of the crew members grabbed a plastic bag and handed it to a tall, radiantly handsome Canadian actor named Marc.—
Chang Che,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
-
One bag serves three hearty portions, or four measly ones.—
Alex Beggs,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handbag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handbag. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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