handbag

[hand-bag]

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.

handbag

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of handbag¹

First recorded in 1860–65; hand + bag

Word History and Origins

Origin of handbag¹

(for sense 3) C20: humorous allusion to the trend for groups of women to dance round their handbags in discos, nightclubs, etc

Example Sentences

The burglars broke through a glass door early Sunday and took jewelry and handbags, according to the source.

From Los Angeles Times

It was reported that she once threw her handbag at a director who failed to get a close up of Goldie, the programme's golden retriever.

From BBC

She seemed to have a taste for the finer things in life, talking about her horse and her love of designer handbags.

From BBC

A Victorian cameo typically clings to her neck as a choker and her industrial ’90s Jean Paul Gaultier handbag punctuates her daily wardrobe.

From Los Angeles Times

The doll boasted accessories, including a handbag and pendants.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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