handbag

A handbag is a bag that people carry with them, usually made of fabric or leather.

We use the word "handbag" to refer to those bags that women (and some men) often carry when they go out. They're used for carrying all sorts of things like wallets, phones, keys, and sometimes even makeup or snacks. Sometimes you might hear people saying they have a purse instead - but in many countries, especially the US, handbag is the more common word. Handbags come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny clutches to big, roomy bags that can fit everything under the sun. You might see celebrities carrying designer handbags on the red carpet, or your grandma lugging around a practical but stylish one when she goes shopping with friends.