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suitcase

suitcase

356 1.0
A large box with a handle for carrying clothes when you travel
  • noun
  • /ˈsuːtkeɪs/
translation icon : maleta
  • Denied bank services, Iranian traders had to carry suitcases of cash to pay for imports.
  • pack a suitcase
  • carry a suitcase
  • suitcase on wheels

Brett's just grabbing my huge suitcase from upstairs and we're heading to LA.

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Examples

  • Hank has opened a large suitcase and spread it across the coffee table.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • On the last day, we were gathering our suitcases and backpacks one last time.

    Academic text (2008)
  • When we picked up this suitcase from the airport, it was broken.

  • Pack up your suitcase and get out there, too

  • I need my suitcase out of here.

  • The little old lady clutches the suitcase to her chest with all her might.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • When he opened the door of his apartment, he found all of his suitcases packed.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The woman nodded and picked up the suitcase that stood under the coatrack.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Brett's just grabbing my huge suitcase from upstairs and we're heading to LA.

  • I packed my clothes and toiletries in a suitcase for the trip to the beach.

Synonyms

bag
vssuitcase
1.0

A flexible container for carrying personal things like books or clothes

is the specific rectangular rigid or soft travel container usually with a handle
luggage
vssuitcase
230 1.0

Bags and suitcases that a person carries when traveling

is the more specific single rectangular container for clothes and personal items
backpack
vssuitcase
204 1.0

A bag with shoulder straps that you wear on your back to carry your things

is carried by hand using a handle rather than worn on the back
baggage
vssuitcase
153 1.0

Suitcases and bags that you carry when you travel or supplies carried by an army

is a single portable rectangular container with a handle for clothes
trunk
vssuitcase
110 3.3

A large strong box for keeping clothes and other things

is a moderate sized portable rectangular container with a handle for regular travel
tote
vssuitcase
  • US
40 4.1

A large strong bag for carrying things like books or groceries

is made for travel and holds clothes with a handle for portability
duffel
vssuitcase
38 4.4

A large soft bag used to carry clothes and gear when traveling

is the rectangular handled travel container rather than a cylindrical carry sack
carry-on
vssuitcase
  • US
35 2.3

A small bag a passenger can take onto an airplane

is the general rectangular container used for travel not only allowed on planes
duffel bag
vssuitcase
32 3.1

A large cloth bag with a round shape for carrying clothes and other things for travel or sport

is a rectangular container with a handle, not a cylindrical soft carry bag
knapsack
vssuitcase
26 2.7

A bag with straps you carry on your back to hold personal things

is carried by hand and designed as a rectangular container with a handle
tote bag
vssuitcase
12 1.8

A large strong cloth container with two long handles for carrying books or shopping

is intended for travel and clothing storage rather than everyday shopping use
garment bag
vssuitcase
7 2.7

A long bag for carrying clothes so they do not get wrinkled and can be hung

is the standard rectangular container that usually stores folded clothes during travel
grip
vssuitcase
  • Archaic
3 7.5

A small bag or suitcase for carrying clothes and small items

is a general travel container often larger than this small rectangular case
hand luggage
vssuitcase
  • UK
3 1.8

Small bags you carry onto a plane or train instead of checking them

is the single portable rectangular container often used beyond just onboard carriage
checked baggage
vssuitcase
  • US
2 2.3

Bags you give to an airline that it carries under the plane

is normally the passenger carried rectangular container, not the handed over items
carryall
vssuitcase
1 4.4

A large bag for carrying many things like towels and snacks

is a defined rectangular handheld travel container rather than a general large sack
portmanteau
vssuitcase
  • Archaic
1 9.1

A large leather suitcase with two sections that open outwards

is the general portable rectangular container without the historic leather or double sections
traveling bag
vssuitcase
  • US
1 1.3

A case for carrying clothes and personal items on a trip

is the same idea but refers to a sturdy rectangular container with a handle
overnight case
vssuitcase
1 2.7

A small bag for clothes and items for one night's trip

is larger and meant for longer travel rather than single night use
hardshell suitcase
vssuitcase
3.4

A suitcase with a hard outer shell that protects items inside during travel

is the usual soft or rigid portable rectangular container with a handle
Samsonite
vssuitcase
3.5

A suitcase made by Samsonite

is the generic portable rectangular container not tied to a brand name

Idioms

2 6.5

Traveling a lot and staying in temporary places, rarely unpacking

Compounds

A suitcase with a hard outer shell that protects items inside during travel

How Big

trunk
110 3.3
suitcase
356 1.0
carry-on
  • US
35 2.3
overnight bag
11 2.8
toilet bag
  • UK
1.6

Surface Forms

suitcase singular
suitcases plural

Morphology

suitcase = suit + case (transparent) = suit + case

The word is a straightforward compound 'suit' + 'case' meaning a case for clothes, which learners can derive from the components.

Etymology

Suitcase is simply a combination of suit and case, meaning a 'case' for your 'suit' or clothes. So a suitcase is a box with a handle for carrying clothes when you travel.