briefcase

American  

[breef-keys] / ˈbrifˌkeɪs /

noun

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

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briefcase British  

/ ˈbriːfˌkeɪs /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of briefcase

1925–30; brief (noun) + case ²

Compare meaning

How does briefcase compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• briefcase vs. suitcase

Example Sentences

I fell in with a nerdy set—a small group of academically minded boys who carried their books in briefcases.

From The Wall Street Journal

For the uninitiated, the U.S. version asked contestants to choose one of 26 unmarked briefcases containing between 1 cent and $1 million.

From The Wall Street Journal

When the door opened, and Dad appeared, carrying a briefcase, then he wasn't at work anymore.

From Literature

An armored vehicle moved it—or rather moved Ridge, who was handcuffed to a metal briefcase holding the formula—from one bank vault to another in 2018.

From The Wall Street Journal

Despite several security violations over the years, including leaving a briefcase full of classified information on a subway, Ames was then sent to Mexico City in 1981.

From BBC

Related Words

• bag
• baggage
• folder