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suitcase

suitcase

317 1.0
A large box with a handle for carrying clothes when you travel
  • noun
  • /ˈsuːtkeɪs/
: 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
backpack
vssuitcase
255 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
luggage
vssuitcase
224 1.0

Bags and suitcases that a person carries when traveling

is the more specific single rectangular container for clothes and personal items
baggage
vssuitcase
108 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
59 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
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
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
carry-on
vssuitcase
  • US
32 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
knapsack
vssuitcase
23 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
vssuitcase
  • US
17 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
tote bag
vssuitcase
15 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
8 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
checked baggage
vssuitcase
  • US
4 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
traveling bag
vssuitcase
  • US
3 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
hand luggage
vssuitcase
  • UK
2 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
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
Samsonite
vssuitcase
1 3.5

A suitcase made by Samsonite

is the generic portable rectangular container not tied to a brand name
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
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
grip
vssuitcase
  • Archaic
1 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
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

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
59 3.3
suitcase
317 1.0
carry-on
  • US
32 2.3
overnight bag
10 2.8
toilet bag
  • UK
1 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.