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

Example Sentences

It was raining and brutally windy, and I nearly slid down a hill with my suitcase.

From The Wall Street Journal

They have suitcases and pets, and food in plastic shopping bags.

From The Wall Street Journal

Upon the plane’s return to the U.S., its “suitcase nuke” triggered the Geiger counters at an airport in Maine, convincing a customs agent that a nuclear bomb was about to strike America.

From The Wall Street Journal

She carried a small suitcase and—odd for the time of year—wore a fur coat, gloves, and a heavy veil.

From Literature

“I had brought a little suitcase, and I kept calling my parents and saying, ‘Send more clothes!’”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bag
• carry-on
• satchel