suitcase

American  

[soot-keys] / ˈsutˌkeɪs /

noun

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

---

suitcase British  

/ ˈsjuːt-, ˈsuːtˌkeɪs /

noun

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

---

suitcase Idioms  

1. see live out (of a suitcase).

---

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

Example Sentences

They’re teachers from the San Fernando Valley who go to all the Olympics and lug a bunch of weights — suitcases containing tens of thousands of commemorative pins.

From Los Angeles Times

He had a small suitcase in one hand and a scruffy old dog following him.

From Literature

The burgeoning demand has caused breaches in stadium security, with guides flagging instances of tour participants entering the top deck with backpacks and even rolling suitcases going unchecked.

From Los Angeles Times

Some regulations were also changed with little notice, such as only allowing returnees to bring in one suitcase instead of the previously agreed two, the officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Gazans returning to the enclave are permitted to bring two suitcases without metals or electronics, according to instructions posted by the Palestinian embassy in Egypt.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bag
• carry-on
• satchel