baggage

1 of 2

noun (1)

bag·​gage ˈba-gij How to pronounce baggage (audio)
Synonyms of baggagenext
1
: suitcases, trunks, and personal belongings of travelers : luggage
2
: transportable equipment especially of a military force
3
: intangible things (such as feelings, circumstances, or beliefs) that get in the way
emotional baggage

baggage

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
dated : a contemptible or disreputable woman
"I can buy her off. If she took money from him—the mercenary, painted baggage!—why, then, she'll take it from me."—Edward Bulwer-Lytton
2
dated : a young woman

Examples of baggage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
At least, that’s according to bosses and recruiters that the Wall Street Journal spoke to, who complain that their Gen Z new hires are coming with the hefty baggage of overbearing parents. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 6 Aug. 2026 The arrest unfolded on Tuesday, July 28, as the pilot entered the baggage inspection area at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia — located outside the capital city of Jakarta. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026 How to pack around the itinerary Check airline baggage restrictions before departure. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026 The duo have wowed club staff with their humble attitude, free of the stereotypical ego or baggage that often comes with big transfer fees. — Elias Burke, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for baggage

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English bagage, from Middle French, from bagues belongings, baggage

Noun (2)

probably modification of Middle French bagasse, from Old Occitan bagassa

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 21

Noun (2)

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of baggage was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing baggage

Browse Nearby Words

bagful
baggage
baggage car
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Baggage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baggage. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

baggage

noun
bag·​gage
ˈbag-ij
: the traveling bags and personal belongings of a traveler : luggage

More from Merriam-Webster on baggage

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for baggage

Nglish: Translation of baggage for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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