[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/handbag/)

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# handbag

noun (a handbag, handbags)

«handbag» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

A handbag is a small bag, often with handles or a strap, used mostly by women to carry things like a purse, keys, phone and tissues. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/H/handbag/#m1)

### In the lessons

In everyday life a handbag holds personal things; in the US it is usually called a purse. In safety lessons: keep bags closed and close to you in crowded places, and never take things from someone else's handbag. In stories a grandma's handbag often holds surprising things like sweets and plasters.

### Examples

- Mum put her keys in her handbag. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/H/handbag/#x1)
- Grandma always has tissues and mints in her handbag. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/H/handbag/#x2)
- The lady held her handbag tightly on the busy train. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/H/handbag/#x3)
- I found a lost handbag and gave it to the shop manager. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/H/handbag/#x4)
- Her new handbag had a long shoulder strap. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/H/handbag/#x5)
- Never look in someone's handbag without asking. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/H/handbag/#x6)

### Note

One word, countable: handbags. In US English «purse» usually means handbag; in UK English «purse» is the small wallet for coins inside the handbag. Do not confuse with «bag of hands».

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «handbag» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/H/handbag/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«handbag» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/handbag.html) on Mova free.