baggage

American  

[bag-ij] / ˈbæg ɪdʒ /

noun

1. trunks, suitcases, etc., used in traveling; luggage.

2. the portable equipment of an army.

3. things that encumber one's freedom, progress, development, or adaptability; impediments.

   intellectual baggage that keeps one from thinking clearly; neurotic conflicts that arise from struggling with too much emotional baggage.

4. Archaic.

   1. a worthless woman.

   2. a prostitute or disreputable woman.

   3. Often Disparaging. a pert, playful young woman or girl.

      a pretty baggage; a saucy baggage.

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baggage British  

/ ˈbæɡɪdʒ /

noun

1. 1. suitcases, bags, etc, packed for a journey; luggage

   2. ( as modifier )

      baggage car

2. an army's portable equipment

3. informal

   1. a pert young woman

   2. an immoral woman or prostitute

4. informal a cantankerous old woman

5. informal previous knowledge and experience that a person may use or be influenced by in new circumstances

   cultural baggage

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Etymology

Origin of baggage

1400–50; late Middle English bagage < Middle French, equivalent to Old French bag ( ues ) bundles, packs (perhaps < Old Norse; bag ) + -age -age

Example Sentences

Checked baggage benefits tied to Delta’s frequent-flyer programs, ⁠premium fares and co-branded credit cards will remain unchanged.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Still, as the top Cabinet official in the presidential line of succession after the VP, secretaries of state are often ambitious pols who bring baggage all their own.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Now that I’ve laid out my budgeting baggage, we want to hear from you: What’s the biggest money mistake you’ve ever made?

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

In an interview with CNN, border czar Tom Homan said that agents would not be screening passengers or handling baggage.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

We struck out for Africa carrying all our excess baggage on our bodies, under our clothes.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Related Words

• equipment
• gear
• luggage
• paraphernalia