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

In reality, the slant was just 25 degrees, but even a knoll seems formidable under the strain of psychic baggage. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024

The result: More airline passengers are furious because they're forced to downsize or pay extra for their baggage. —Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024

As an ultra-low cost carrier, Frontier charges passengers for all extras like seat assignments and baggage allowance. —Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 9 Oct. 2024

Suitcases go through a lot of wear and tear, whether it's stowed in the overhead bin on your flight or bumping along the baggage carousel. —Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2024

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