baggage

1 of 2

noun (1)

bag·​gage ˈba-gij 

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

Noun

Starting with your celestial ruler, Venus, entering Aries on Feb. 4 — a sign where the love planet is in detriment — its journey through your introspective 12th house forces you to face emotional baggage and unconscious relationship patterns holding you back. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025

Ideal for people who prioritize breathability and a second-skin finish over full-fledged coverage, these foundations come as serums, balms, and BBs—delivering the perfect wash of pigment without any pore-clogging baggage. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Feb. 2025

There was a lot of baggage in our relationship, and most of it was the lack of communication on his end. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 1 Feb. 2025

Of course, there’s a catch: On top of a little less legroom, most budget airlines tout expensive checked baggage fees if your carry-on exceeds their requirements. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2025

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 1

Noun (2)

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing baggage

• bag and baggage
• baggage claim
• hand baggage

Kids Definition

baggage

noun

bag·​gage

ˈbag-ij

: the traveling bags and personal belongings of a traveler : luggage