bag
noun (countable)
UK/bæɡ/US/bæɡ/
a container made of flexible material with an opening at the top, used for carrying or holding items
Example Sentences
She always carries a reusable bag when shopping for groceries.
His gym bag is filled with workout clothes and a water bottle.
The tourist stuffed souvenirs into a large duffel bag before leaving the hotel.
Plastic bag usage has been reduced in many countries to cut down on pollution.
A paper bag can be more environmentally friendly than a plastic one.
Parents often keep a diaper bag handy, stocked with essentials like wipes, diapers, and baby snacks, ensuring they’re prepared for any sudden needs during an outing.
Festival-goers are commonly advised to pack a lightweight backpack or shoulder bag, as heavy baggage can be cumbersome and difficult to manage in large crowds.
I stored my camping gear in a waterproof bag to protect it from the rain and other outdoor elements.
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Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/bæɡ/US/bæɡ/
to put items into a bag, or to acquire, capture, or secure something
Example Sentences
Don’t forget to bag the vegetables before leaving the store.
He managed to bag the last seat on the flight right before check-in closed.
They hope to bag a few new clients after the presentation.
Volunteers spent the day bagging supplies for the food drive.
Hunters in the area aim to bag deer during the winter season.
She was excited to bag her dream job after several rounds of interviews, marking a huge milestone in her career and providing her with invaluable new opportunities.
The hikers tried to bag as many peaks as possible on their trip, adding new challenges each day to test their stamina, navigation skills, and team spirit.
Please bag the wet clothes separately from the dry ones to avoid ruining the clean laundry.
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Antonyms
How to Use
A portable container for carrying things or the act of securing or stealing items.“Bag” primarily serves as a noun, referring to a container made from flexible materials like leather, fabric, or plastic, used to carry personal items, groceries, or other goods. Examples include handbags, backpacks, shopping bags, and luggage. Bags come in various styles and sizes, serving both practical and fashion purposes.As a verb, “bag” means to put something into a bag or to secure it, such as “bagging groceries” or “bagging tickets.” Additionally, in informal contexts, “to bag” can mean to steal or acquire something, often with a sense of ease or unlawfulness, e.g., “He bagged a watch from the store.” In sports, “bagging” can refer to achieving a certain number of goals or points.“Bag” can also appear in idiomatic expressions, such as “the bag is mine” meaning possession or ownership, or “a bag of tricks” referring to a set of skills or strategies. Depending on context, “bag” can signify utility, fashion, action, or even deception.
Alternatives
Depending on the context, synonyms for the noun form of “bag” include “sack,” “purse,” “backpack,” “tote,” “carrier,” or “knapsack.” For the verb form, alternatives might be “sack” (informal), “secure,” “store,” or “steal” (when used in the context of theft). In informal slang, “bag” as a verb can also be replaced with “nab” or “swipe” when referring to stealing. However, “bag” remains a versatile term across multiple contexts, making it the most appropriate term in many situations.
Writing
In formal writing, clarify whether you’re referring to the noun or the verb form of “bag.” For instance, “She carried her books in a leather bag” uses the noun, while “He bagged the rare stamps from the collection” uses the verb with a connotation of acquisition. If discussing fashion, detail the type and style of bag—for example, “A designer handbag can complement an outfit.” In business or logistics contexts, “bagging items for shipment” refers to the process of packaging goods. When addressing idiomatic expressions, explain their meaning within the narrative—like “He had a bag of tricks to win the game.” Ensuring clarity about which sense of “bag” is in use helps maintain precision and avoids ambiguity in your writing.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “bag” is often used to describe different types of containers—“I forgot my gym bag,” or “She bought a new handbag.” When talking about stealing, someone might say, “He bagged a phone from the store,” implying he took it unlawfully. Friends might joke about bagging tickets to a concert or securing a good deal on a sale item. In sports, someone might mention, “He bagged three goals in the match,” highlighting their achievement. Additionally, in casual speech, “bag” can appear in phrases like “bagging it” meaning leaving quickly, or “bagging a prize” meaning winning something. The term is versatile in casual contexts, adapting to both literal and figurative uses seamlessly.
Etymology
“Bag” traces back to the Old Norse “baggi,” meaning a pack or sack, which evolved into Middle English as “bagge.” The term has Germanic roots, related to words in other Germanic languages that denote similar types of containers. Over centuries, the word broadened to include various types of containers used for carrying items. As the verb form developed, it naturally extended from the act of putting something into a bag to meanings like securing or stealing, based on context. Modern usage retains the dual nature of the term, encompassing both the practical object and the actions associated with it.
