duffel

Word family

• duffle
  nounB1
• duffel bag
  nounB1
• duffel coat
  nounB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A duffel bag is a large cylindrical cloth bag with a drawstring or zip, carried by hand or over the shoulder. It differs from a holdall (a softer rectangular travel bag with handles, common in British English) and a gym bag (a smaller, often rectangular bag designed for sports clothes and shoes). A backpack is worn on both shoulders and distributes weight more evenly, making it better for long walks or hikes. In military contexts, a kit bag is identical in shape to a duffel — the terms overlap. For example, a soldier might say 'I packed my kit bag for training' while a civilian would say 'I packed my duffel for the weekend trip.' The duffel is typically larger and more rugged than a standard gym bag, but less structured than a suitcase.

Common collocations

Etymology

Duffel takes its name from the town of Duffel in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, where a coarse woollen cloth was first produced in the 17th century. British merchants imported the fabric and began using it for military kit bags, which led to the modern 'duffel bag'. The alternate spelling 'duffle' became common in British English and is now equally standard.