handbag
Americannoun
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a bag or box of leather, fabric, plastic, or the like, held in the hand or carried by means of a handle or strap, commonly used for holding money, personal grooming items, small purchases, etc.
noun
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Also called: bag. purse. pocketbook. a woman's small bag carried to contain personal articles
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a small suitcase that can be carried by hand
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a commercial style of House music
Etymology
Origin of handbag
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It is paired with a matching yellow mini duffel handbag and a thin lycra and power mesh sports bra.
From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026
Some customers try to build relationships with a sales associate—spending many thousands on other items in-store—to increase their odds of being able to buy a handbag.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026
In 2023, covertly filmed footage emerged that appeared to show her accepting a luxury Dior handbag, in an episode that further eroded Yoon's already low approval ratings.
From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026
As armor, Elizabeth slung a Launer handbag over her forearm.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
My shoulders stiffened and I nervously pushed the handle of my handbag up to the crook of my elbow.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
