What does bag mean?
A bag is one of the most familiar objects in daily life: a flexible container, open at the top, made from materials such as paper, plastic, cloth, or leather, and used to carry or store everything from groceries to luggage. The noun also denotes the quantity a bag holds, as in 'a bag of sugar'. Beyond its literal use, bag carries a rich set of idiomatic meanings: 'in the bag' signals that success is assured, while 'a mixed bag' describes an assortment of varied quality. As a verb, bag means to pack something away or, informally, to win or secure something desirable. The word traces back to Old Norse 'baggi', and even gave rise to 'budget', which began as a term for the small leather pouch holding someone's coins. Simple, versatile, and deeply embedded in both practical and figurative language, bag remains essential vocabulary.
A flexible container, usually with a handle or strap and an opening at the top, used for carrying or storing goods.
"She slipped the book into her tote bag."
Also used for the contents or capacity: 'a bag of rice'.
To place something in a bag; more broadly, to secure, capture, or obtain something, often with a sense of accomplishment.
"They bagged three goals in the second half."
Standard pluralization; 'bags' commonly refers to multiple containers or, idiomatically, to bags under the eyes.
"The shoppers left the market carrying six heavy bags between them."
The word 'budget' literally descends from 'bag' — it comes from 'bougette', a little French leather pouch, which is why your budget is quite literally your money bag.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bag
The word 'bag' entered Middle English from Old Norse 'baggi', meaning a bundle or pack, reflecting the Scandinavian influence on northern English vocabulary during the Viking Age. A notable linguistic descendant is 'budget', which developed from Old French 'bougette', a small leather bag, ultimately connecting the idea of a financial plan to a literal money pouch. The Germanic root thus spread through several European languages, leaving traces in words as varied as the everyday carrier and the household financial term.
Word family
Usage notes
Bag is everyday, neutral register across English-speaking regions. British and American usage differ mainly in preferred forms (e.g. 'bin bag' vs 'trash bag'), not in meaning. The slang senses — 'in the bag' (certain) and 'my bag' (one's interest) — are informal and best avoided in formal writing.
Don't confuse with
A sack is traditionally a larger, coarser bag made of strong material like burlap for bulk goods, while a bag is a general-purpose container of any size or material.