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noun

satchel

SAT-shuhl

Satchel (noun) means a bag, often with one or two shoulder straps, used for carrying books or other belongings. Example: “The schoolboy slung his satchel over one shoulder.”

noun
1
A bag, often with one or two shoulder straps, used for carrying books or other belongings.
"The schoolboy slung his satchel over one shoulder."
"She packed her lunch and books into an old leather satchel."

How to use satchel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA shoulder bag, especially the kind used for carrying schoolbooks.

Common pairings
a leather satchel a school satchel

Word forms

satchels plural

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Fill the gap

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The schoolboy slung his _____ over one shoulder.

Etymology

Traced back to Latin saccus ("bag"), through a diminutive form that passed via Old French sachel into Middle English by the 1300s.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1300

Class of 1300 satchel joined the language around 1300.
See the full Class of 1300 →

Frequently asked questions

What does “satchel” mean?

The word “satchel” means a bag, often with one or two shoulder straps, used for carrying books or other belongings. In plain terms, a shoulder bag, especially the kind used for carrying schoolbooks.

How do you pronounce “satchel”?

“Satchel” is pronounced SAT-shuhl (/ˈsæt͡ʃəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “satchel” in a sentence?

Here is “satchel” used in a sentence: “The schoolboy slung his satchel over one shoulder.”

What part of speech is “satchel”?

“Satchel” is a noun.

Where does the word “satchel” come from?

The word “satchel” dates back to around 1300 and comes from Latin. Traced back to Latin saccus ("bag"), through a diminutive form that passed via Old French sachel into Middle English by the 1300s.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial