Words / A2

HANDB-ag/ˈhændbæɡ/

A handbag is a bag, often for a woman, for keys, a purse, and a phone: in her handbag, a leather handbag. Bag is general; backpack / rucksack sits on your back. Purse in British English is often for coins; in American English purse can mean a handbag. Wallet is usually flatter, for cards. Do not write hangbag.

Meaning

A bag, usually carried by a woman, for money, keys, and a phone.

Examples

• “Her passport was in her handbag.”
• “She kept her passport in her handbag at the airport gate.”
• “I left my handbag under the café table and ran back.”

Good to know

in a handbag. General: bag. Back: rucksack. British purse ≈ coin purse; US purse ≈ handbag.

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