Meaning & use
clutch bag
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountable
a small, flat bag with no handle or strap, held in the hand, often for formal occasions
Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a clutch bag' or 'two clutch bags'.
Patterns
- a clutch bag under your arm
- carry a clutch bag
She wore a black dress and carried a silver clutch bag.
He bought her a designer clutch bag for the wedding.
I can't fit my phone in this tiny clutch bag.
Word forms
| plural | clutch bags |
|---|
Common combinations
- carry a clutch bag
- She carried a clutch bag to the party.
- a small clutch bag
- He gave her a small clutch bag as a gift.
- a designer clutch bag
- She saved up for a designer clutch bag.
- under your arm
- He held the clutch bag under his arm.
Synonyms and how they differ
Commonly confused: clutch bag or handbag?
clutch bag vs handbag
A handbag is larger and usually has handles or a strap; a clutch bag is small and held in the hand.
Practice
She took a small ______ to the opera because it matched her dress.
Choose one answer.
A clutch bag is a small, elegant bag suitable for formal events like the opera. A backpack, suitcase, or briefcase would be too large and casual.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “clutch bag”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.