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noun B1 Intermediate Uncommon

luggage

LUHG-ihj

Luggage (noun) means Suitcases, bags, and other containers used to carry a traveller's belongings. Example: “We checked our luggage in at the airport counter.”

noun
1
Suitcases, bags, and other containers used to carry a traveller's belongings.
"We checked our luggage in at the airport counter."
"Please keep your hand luggage with you at all times."

How to use luggage

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe general word for bags and suitcases you travel with.

UK vs US

British English favours "luggage"; American English often prefers "baggage," though both are understood everywhere.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
hand luggage excess luggage luggage rack checked luggage

Word forms

luggages plural

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Fill the gap

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We checked our _____ in at the airport counter.

Etymology

Formed in the 1590s from lug ("to drag") plus the suffix -age, literally "that which is dragged around." Compare baggage, formed the same way.

· First attested 1590

Class of 1590 luggage joined the language around 1590.
See the full Class of 1590 →
bags suitcases gear cases baggage

Related words

Rhymes for luggage

See all rhymes for luggage →

Frequently asked questions

What does “luggage” mean?

The word “luggage” means suitcases, bags, and other containers used to carry a traveller's belongings. In plain terms, the general word for bags and suitcases you travel with.

How do you pronounce “luggage”?

“Luggage” is pronounced LUHG-ihj (/ˈlʌɡ.ɪdʒ/ in IPA).

How do you use “luggage” in a sentence?

Here is “luggage” used in a sentence: “We checked our luggage in at the airport counter.”

What is another word for “luggage”?

Words with a similar meaning to “luggage” include baggage.

What part of speech is “luggage”?

“Luggage” is a noun.

Where does the word “luggage” come from?

The word “luggage” dates back to around 1590. Formed in the 1590s from lug ("to drag") plus the suffix -age, literally "that which is dragged around." Compare baggage, formed the same way.

Is “luggage” a common word?

“Luggage” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

What is the difference between luggage and baggage?

Luggage and baggage both refer to suitcases, bags, and other containers used to carry a traveller's belongings, and the two are largely interchangeable. Baggage tends to be favoured in American English and in airline terminology, while luggage is common in everyday British and general use.

Is luggage countable or uncountable?

Luggage is an uncountable noun, so it doesn't take a plural form and isn't used with "a" or numbers directly. You would say "some luggage" or "a piece of luggage," not "luggages" or "one luggage."

What is the difference between luggage and cargo?

Luggage refers specifically to a traveller's personal bags and suitcases carried with them on a trip. Cargo is a broader term for goods being transported, typically in bulk for commercial purposes rather than personal belongings.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial