handbag

handbag — noun

1. A handbag is a small bag, usually with a handle or a strap, that a woman uses to

1.nounA2
Definition

A handbag is a small bag, usually with a handle or a strap, that a woman uses to carry personal items such as money, keys, a phone, and makeup when she goes out.

Example

Tara searched through her handbag for her car keys before leaving the office.

search through a handbag for [item]

Mira bought a new leather handbag from a small shop in Taipei.

leather handbag

Common collocations
  • search a handbag
  • carry a handbag
  • put something in a handbag
  • pull something out of a handbag
  • leather handbag
  • designer handbag
  • open a handbag
  • a handbag strap
Synonyms
  • purse

    More common in American English; usually refers to a small handbag, not a wallet.

  • clutch

    A small, strapless handbag designed to be held in the hand, typically used for formal occasions.

  • tote bag

    A larger bag with two handles, often made of fabric or canvas, used for shopping or casual outings.

Usage Note

In American English, the word 'purse' is more commonly used for a small handbag carried by women, while 'handbag' can sound slightly more formal. In British English, 'handbag' is the usual everyday term.

Common Mistakes

He put his wallet in his handbag.
He put his wallet in his bag/backpack.
In most varieties of English, 'handbag' refers specifically to a woman's accessory, not a general bag for men.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All these words refer to bags for carrying personal items, but they differ in size, style, and who typically uses them. 'Handbag' (common in British English) and 'purse' (common in American English) both describe a medium-sized bag a woman carries by hand or over her shoulder — they are near-synonyms. 'Clutch' is much smaller and has no strap; you hold it in your hand, so it suits formal evenings. 'Tote bag' is larger and open-topped, often made of cloth, used for shopping or beach trips. 'Backpack' is worn on both shoulders and can be used by anyone, men or women, for travel or school. Compare: 'She put her lipstick in her clutch before the gala,' but 'She tossed her gym clothes into her tote bag.'

handbag ↗purse ↗clutch ↗tote bagbackpack ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • handbag strap
  • handbag handle
  • handbag designer
  • handbag collection
  • handbag brand

Prepositions

  • in a handbag
  • out of a handbag
  • through a handbag

Etymology

Old EnglishOld NorseEnglish

The word 'handbag' is a compound of 'hand' (from Old English 'hand') and 'bag' (from Old Norse 'baggi', meaning a pack or bundle). It first appeared in English in the mid-19th century, when small bags carried in the hand became a popular women's fashion accessory.