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

"Lizards, skinks and dragons were secured in calico bags. These bags were concealed in bags of popcorn, biscuit tins and a women's handbag and placed inside cardboard boxes," the statement said.

From Barron's

He offered to go halves on a handbag for Lauren, despite having never met either woman, and even suggested a possible "wedding in Vegas".

From BBC

French luxury house Hermes reported Thursday an increase in 2025 sales even though it faced steep US tariffs and a weak dollar, which made its leather handbags and other goods more pricey for customers worldwide.

From Barron's

But she has been a hit with voters, especially young ones, with fans lapping up everything from her handbag to her jamming to a K-pop song with South Korea's president.

From Barron's

"People didn't always carry the donor card on them in their pockets and handbags and the nurses and doctors didn't have time to look through. So there was a problem," Cox said.

From BBC

Related Words

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