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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of handbag

First recorded in 1860–65; hand + bag

Example Sentences

South Korea's former first lady was alleged by prosecutors Monday to have accepted lavish bribes totalling over $200,000, including fine art, jewellery and a handbag, as well as meddling in state affairs.

From Barron's

I’d swapped handbags for the season — a slouchy straw tote with a teak handle traded for a forest-green suede pouch — and my wallet, apparently, hadn’t gotten the memo.

From Salon

Delve into the backstories of instantly recognizable handbags, including the Hermès Birkin, Loewe Puzzle and Dior’s Lady Dior.

From The Wall Street Journal

By comparison, the resale business for luxury clothing and handbags is still only worth 13% of the primary market, based on Bain & Co. estimates.

From The Wall Street Journal

Whatever void she felt then is long gone, since the beagle has become a pop culture darling, adorning all manner of merchandise — from pimple patches to luxury handbags.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• backpack
• bag
• evening bag
• leather
• pocketbook
• purse