shoulder bag

IPA/ˈʃəʊldə bæɡ/
IPA/ˈʃəʊldər bæɡ/

shoulder bag — noun

1. a bag with a long strap that you wear over one shoulder, used for keeping everyd

1.nounA2
Definition

a bag with a long strap that you wear over one shoulder, used for keeping everyday items such as a wallet, phone, or keys

Example

Nellie carries her wallet, phone, and keys in a small black shoulder bag.

The leather shoulder bag Sofia bought in Florence has a strap that is too long.

modified by material (leather) + place origin

Common collocations
  • carry a shoulder bag
  • put something in a shoulder bag
  • take something out of a shoulder bag
  • a leather / canvas / denim shoulder bag
  • a small / large / black shoulder bag
Synonyms
  • cross-body bag

    similar but usually smaller and worn diagonally across the chest rather than on one shoulder

  • messenger bag

    larger and often rectangular, with a flap that closes over the top; worn across the body

  • handbag

    a general term for a woman's bag; may or may not have a long shoulder strap — handbags often have short handles

Antonyms
  • backpack

    worn on both shoulders with two straps, leaving the hands free; holds more weight

Grammar Patterns

a/an + ~

~ + verb

Usage Note

Shoulder bag is a count noun — you can say 'a shoulder bag' or 'shoulder bags' in the plural. It describes a style of bag (worn over one shoulder on a long strap), not a specific size or material.

Common Mistakes

I put my passport in my shoulder bag pocket.
I put my passport in the pocket of my shoulder bag.
'shoulder bag' is the container; the pocket belongs to the bag, not directly to 'shoulder bag'.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Shoulder bag is the broadest everyday term for any bag with a single long strap worn over one shoulder. A cross-body bag is a smaller style that sits at the hip and crosses the chest diagonally — it is usually more secure and often used when travelling. A messenger bag is larger and rectangular with a flap closure, common for carrying books or a laptop. Handbag is the general category for women's bags of any size or strap style, so it includes most shoulder bags but also clutch bags and totes. A backpack uses two straps worn on both shoulders and is the practical choice for carrying heavy loads evenly. For everyday errands with a phone, wallet, and keys, a shoulder bag is the most convenient — you can reach your items quickly without taking the bag off.

shoulder bag ↗cross-body bagmessenger bag ↗handbag ↗backpack ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • shoulder bag strap
  • shoulder bag pocket
  • shoulder bag collection

Phrases

  • carry a ~
  • put something in a ~
  • take something out of a ~
  • a ~ full of ~

Prepositions

  • in a ~
  • out of a ~
  • over one's shoulder

Etymology

Old EnglishOld NorseEnglish

Shoulder bag is a compound noun formed from 'shoulder' (the joint connecting the arm to the body, from Old English 'sculdor') and 'bag' (a container made of soft material, from Old Norse 'baggi'). The term became widely used in the mid-1900s as everyday bags designed to be worn over one shoulder became a common fashion item.

First known use

1912

1912, in the meaning defined above