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Synonyms

handbag

American  
[hand-bag] / ˈhændˌbæg /

noun

  1. 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.

  2. valise.

handbag British  
/ ˈhændˌbæɡ /

noun

  1. Also called: bag.   purse.   pocketbook.  a woman's small bag carried to contain personal articles

  2. a small suitcase that can be carried by hand

  3. a commercial style of House music

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of handbag

First recorded in 1860–65; hand + bag

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.

The first she said was taking a dress you already have and adding accessories such as nice jewellery, a tiara or a handbag.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Hermès doesn’t care if your AI agent found a cheaper handbag.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

“A handbag used to be the luxury symbol,” Svec said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

I used the built-in handle to tote it around like a handbag.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

I sat nervously in the corridor, waiting to be called in for my interview; I felt stiff in the pantsuit and clung awkwardly to Robin’s handbag.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

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.