briefcase

[ breef-keys ]

noun

1. a flat, rectangular case with a handle, often of leather, for carrying books, papers, etc.

briefcase

/ ˈbriːfˌkeɪs /

noun

1. a flat portable case, often of leather, for carrying papers, books, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of briefcase¹

1925–30; brief (noun) + case ²

Example Sentences

I settle for a sweater and jacket and throw a tie in my briefcase just in case it turns out to be the prom.

From The Daily Beast

Although in that film, the briefcase contained an atomic bomb.

From The Daily Beast

He is clutching more out of habit than for any practical reason his black briefcase.

From The Daily Beast

He searches patiently through his briefcase and produces a round-trip ticket for the seat in question.

From The Daily Beast

He opens the briefcase to reveal hundreds of well-thumbed sheets of paper filled with typewritten words.

From The Daily Beast

There was something smug about the way he picked up his heels, swung his briefcase.

From Project Gutenberg

A stocky man dodged around from behind the woman and came rapidly down the platform, neat, crisp, briefcase under his arm.

From Project Gutenberg

He'd probably try to get his foolish little briefcase in front of him like a shield.

From Project Gutenberg

Engel called "Fourteen" and got out there, briefcase tightly clutched up under his arm, its flap unbuckled.

From Project Gutenberg

He brought himself back with a grimace, aware that he was clutching the briefcase of tapes possessively from long habit.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bag
• baggage
• folder