baggage

UK: /ˈbægɪdʒ/ US: /ˈbægɪdʒ/ ,(bag′ij)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

bag•gage /ˈbægɪdʒ/   n. [uncountable]

1. trunks, suitcases, etc., used in traveling;
   luggage:
   How much baggage are you taking on your trip?
2. something that limits one's freedom;
   impediments:
   Emotional baggage from his first marriage prevented him from remarrying.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

bag•gage  (bag′ij), n. 

1. trunks, suitcases, etc., used in traveling;
   luggage.
2. Military the portable equipment of an army.
3. things that encumber one's freedom, progress, development, or adaptability;
   impediments:
   intellectual baggage that keeps one from thinking clearly; neurotic conflicts that arise from struggling with too much emotional baggage.
4. Slang Terms [Disparaging and Offensive.]
   • a woman.
   • a prostitute or disreputable woman.
5. Slang Terms [Often Offensive.] a pert, playful young woman or girl.

• Old Norse; see bag) + -age -age
• Middle French, equivalent. to Old French bag(ues) bundles, packs (perh.
• late Middle English bagage 1400–50

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

baggage / ˈbæɡɪdʒ/ noun

1. suitcases, bags, etc, packed for a journey; luggage
2. an army's portable equipment
3. a pert young woman
4. a woman considered immoral
5. a cantankerous old woman
6. previous knowledge and experience that a person may use or be influenced by in new circumstances: cultural baggage

Etymology: 15th Century: from Old French bagage, from bague a bundle, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse baggi bag