clutch bag
1
4.1
- noun
- /klʌtʃ bæg/
:
bolso de mano
- I'm going to be starting this dress with this silver bow clutch bag from Monsoon.
I'm going to be starting this dress with this silver bow clutch bag from Monsoon.
- I'm going to be starting this dress with this silver bow clutch bag from Monsoon.
Examples
-
She carried a stunning clutch bag to the formal gala last night.
-
The designer showcased her new clutch bag collection during Paris Fashion Week.
-
I always choose a small clutch bag for special occasions to keep my essentials handy.
Synonyms
399
1.0
A small bag for carrying money, cards, and small personal items
89
1.0
A small bag women carry to hold keys, phone, and money
15
3.1
A small bag used to carry money and small personal items
11
5.3
A small flat purse without straps that you carry by hand
2
4.1
A small elegant bag a woman carries to formal evening events
How Formal
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a small, strapless handbag' is directly and redundantly compositional from 'clutch' (a small strapless bag) + 'bag' (a portable container), so the overall sense follows standard noun–noun compounding. Because the constituents already convey the specific concept, a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Clutch bag comes from the verb clutch meaning 'to hold tightly' and the word bag. People used to hold a small bag tightly in their hand at parties or events, so today a clutch bag means a small handbag you carry by hand, often without a strap, for 'formal occasions'.