suitcase

American  

[soot-keys] / ˈsutˌkeɪs /

noun

1. a usually rectangular piece of luggage especially for carrying clothes while traveling.

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suitcase British  

/ ˈsjuːt-, ˈsuːtˌkeɪs /

noun

1. a portable rectangular travelling case, usually stiffened, for carrying clothing, etc

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suitcase Idioms  

1. see live out (of a suitcase).

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Etymology

Origin of suitcase

First recorded in 1900–05; suit + case ²

Compare meaning

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

• briefcase vs. suitcase
• suitcase vs. luggage

Explanation

A suitcase is a piece of luggage that usually has a handle. If you're going on a week-long vacation, you should probably pack a suitcase to bring with you. Don't forget your toothbrush! If your suitcase is large enough, you'll have to check it when you fly on an airplane — you can carry only small suitcases into the cabin of the plane. These days most suitcases have wheels so you can roll them along behind you as you walk through a bus station or down the sidewalk. The earliest suitcases were sewn from wool, linen, or leather, often covering a wooden frame. Today, most suitcases are made of nylon or lightweight metal.

Example Sentences

Taylor Gray, 18, was armed with a suitcase and shopping as she faced the steps.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

None of them made it out of her suitcase.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Another woman said she was ready to go to the shelter once she got her suitcase packed.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

A construction worker pulled a suitcase as he headed into the crossing point on his way to Urumiye in western Iran, where his wife and 4-year-old son are living.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

“Oh,” I say, then I sit down on the floor, unzip the suitcase, and dump my trash bag of stuff inside.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko

Related Words

• bag
• carry-on
• satchel