1
as in suitcases
a bag carried by hand and designed to hold a traveler's clothing and personal articles
flies only with a handbag so he doesn't have to check his luggage
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in purses
a container for carrying money and small personal items
her handbag is just big enough to hold her favorite photos and wallet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of handbags
Right now, best-selling handbags and wallets are marked down by as much as 82 percent, with plenty of spring-ready pastels and light neutrals to choose from.
—
Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
Virginia business owner Sarah Wells, who manufactures handbags and accessories, gets five calls and texts a day offering hundreds of thousands of dollars within a day.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026
There’s also another hook underneath that’s ideal for hats, handbags, and scarves.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
Nervous hands rummaging for tissues in handbags, sweaty embraces, last words of advice—and then, we were gone.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Clearly, the brand has perfected the formula for creating handbags that marry style and function at a reasonable price.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
Under his predecessor Virginie Viard and the studio team that succeeded her, Chanel relied on brand codes writ large — witness the giant pearl necklace handbags of its last collection.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026
The touches of personal embroidery on little muslin handkerchiefs and the ‘ghost’ handbags were a clever touch.
—Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026
Guess has also been working to reposition itself within the fashion market, shifting its merchandise mix toward higher-margin categories such as handbags, accessories and licensing, while accelerating investment in digital channels and direct-to-consumer capabilities.
—Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
Virginia business owner Sarah Wells, who manufactures handbags and accessories, gets five calls and texts a day offering hundreds of thousands of dollars within a day.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026
There’s also another hook underneath that’s ideal for hats, handbags, and scarves.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
Nervous hands rummaging for tissues in handbags, sweaty embraces, last words of advice—and then, we were gone.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Clearly, the brand has perfected the formula for creating handbags that marry style and function at a reasonable price.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
Under his predecessor Virginie Viard and the studio team that succeeded her, Chanel relied on brand codes writ large — witness the giant pearl necklace handbags of its last collection.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026
The touches of personal embroidery on little muslin handkerchiefs and the ‘ghost’ handbags were a clever touch.
—Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026
Guess has also been working to reposition itself within the fashion market, shifting its merchandise mix toward higher-margin categories such as handbags, accessories and licensing, while accelerating investment in digital channels and direct-to-consumer capabilities.
—Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handbags
Noun
-
Long-haul and overnight flights, for example, give thieves ample time and opportunity to peruse through suitcases and personal item bags while passengers are asleep, says Figgins.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Feb. 2026
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For something a little less technical but equally impressive, these suitcases from Arlo Skye, Away, and Monos come highly recommended by Traveler editors.—
Adam Cheung,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Avoid pillowcases with large holes that can allow dust to enter, and choose light colors since dark colors and designs may bleed onto leather purses or clothing and stain them.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The story of Murphy’s career included many winning mounts, millions of dollars in purses, controversies and poisonings.—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Phoebe Crossbody is one of our top picks to bring designer quality to your closet, and the full collection also includes options like mini top handle bags, tote bags, and turnlock wallets to complete the set.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2026
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Grocery prices have been on the rise for most of the past six years, as supply chain bottlenecks, the war in Ukraine and excessive profit-taking here in America have put a strain on consumers’ wallets.—
Joe Murphy,
NBC news,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Some of Southwest’s A-listers openly raged on platforms such as X, with many complaints focused on those passengers being forced to place carry-on bags in compartments way to the back of the plane, a different experience from the prior boarding regime.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Steep a couple of bags in 2 cups of hot water and add the tea to your mop bucket.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Guests can borrow Wili Wili Tree backpacks made from sustainable materials for mountain hiking.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Under $50 For quick trips or light packing at a low price point, backpacks and duffels are key.—
Brandon Schultz,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handbags.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handbags. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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