baggage
BAG-ij
/ˈbæɡɪdʒ/
The bags, suitcases, and containers that hold a traveler's personal belongings.
Uncountable noun in British and American English; standard formal term in travel regulations.
The story behind the word. Entered English via Old French 'bagage' from 'bague' (bag, bundle). Historically referred to military bundles and equipment carried by marching armies.
Word relationships
- luggage: Luggage and baggage are exact synonyms; baggage is more common in official airport phrasing like 'baggage claim'.
Commonly confused with
- luggage: Virtually interchangeable, though baggage is used in compounds like 'baggage claim' and 'excess baggage'.
Collocations
- baggage claim
- checked baggage
- hand baggage
- excess baggage
Idioms & expressions
- emotional baggage
Example sentences
- "Passengers waited around baggage carousel four to collect their checked luggage after the long flight." Airport carousel
- "Each passenger is allowed one item of hand baggage and one checked bag under twenty kilograms." Airline policy
Memory hook
Baggage = All your bags gathered together. Your travel bags packed and checked.
When not to use
Do not say 'a baggage' or 'baggages' (use 'a piece of baggage' or 'luggage').
Fun facts
- London Heathrow Airport operates an underground baggage system with 48 kilometers of high-speed tracks.
Also appears in
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