handbag
3 synonyms for handbag, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small bag, usually carried by women, used to hold personal items such as a wallet, keys, and makeup.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
A straightforward compound of hand and bag. The verb sense is a playful reference to former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, famous for her handbag and her sharp tongue.
Full origin of handbag →Frequently asked questions
What does “handbag” mean?
The word “handbag” means a small bag, usually carried by women, used to hold personal items such as a wallet, keys, and makeup.
How do you pronounce “handbag”?
“Handbag” is pronounced HAND-bag (/ˈhændˌbæɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “handbag” in a sentence?
Here is “handbag” used in a sentence: “She rummaged through her handbag looking for her phone.”
What part of speech is “handbag”?
Depending on how it is used, “handbag” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “handbag” a common word?
“Handbag” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “handbag” have?
“Handbag” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small bag, usually carried by women, used to hold personal items such as a wallet, keys, and makeup.
