What does briefcase mean?
A briefcase is a flat, rectangular container with a handle, traditionally made of leather, used for carrying documents, folders, and other professional materials. The name derives from the word 'brief', referring originally to the legal documents or 'briefs' that lawyers needed to transport. Briefcases typically open at the top or along a hinge and are designed to keep papers flat and organised. The word is strongly associated with business and professional life; carrying a briefcase has long been a visual shorthand for office work, corporate authority, and formal attire. Although still widely understood, the term has taken on a slightly old-fashioned flavour in recent decades, as laptops, tablets, messenger bags, and backpacks have replaced it in many workplaces. Figuratively, a 'briefcase' can symbolise bureaucracy or corporate culture. Related compounds include 'attaché case', a near-synonym borrowed from diplomatic usage.
nounA flat, rectangular case with a handle, used for carrying documents and other business items.
- A flat, hinged or zippered case with a handle, typically made of leather, used to carry documents, papers, and business essentials.
"He tucked the contract into his briefcase and headed for the elevator."
"She set her briefcase down beside her chair before opening the meeting."
"In the film, the spy hands over a black leather briefcase containing classified documents."
Standard regular plural; simply add -s.
"The train carriage was full of commuters with briefcases on their laps."
The word 'brief' in briefcase originally referred to a legal brief — lawyers literally carried their paperwork in a bag named after it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of briefcase
The word briefcase is formed by compounding two English elements: 'brief', from Latin 'brevis' meaning short, which came to mean a summary document or legal statement, and 'case', from Latin 'capsa', a box or container. The compound arose in English during the early twentieth century, when lawyers and businessmen began using such cases to carry their papers. It shares its roots with words like 'brief', 'briefing', and 'debrief' on one side, and with 'capsule' and 'encase' through the 'case' element.
Usage notes
Briefcase is a standard, neutral term in both British and American English. It carries strong connotations of professional, white-collar work — so much so that it is often used figuratively (e.g. 'a briefcase-and-tie kind of job'). The term is somewhat dated in tone today, as many professionals have swapped it for laptop bags or backpacks.
Don't confuse with
A suitcase is a larger piece of luggage used for clothes and personal belongings when travelling, whereas a briefcase is a smaller case designed for documents and work materials.