holdall

Imagine you're leaving for a short trip: too much to fit in a handbag, but not enough to need a full suitcase. That's where a holdall comes in. It is a large, soft bag used for carrying clothes and other personal things, especially for weekends away, overnight stays, or gym visits. You can think of it as a roomy alternative to a suitcase, often with handles and sometimes a shoulder strap. In American English, people often say "duffel bag," while "holdall" is more common in British English.

A holdall is a large bag for carrying clothes and other personal belongings, usually when traveling. It is most often soft-sided rather than hard like a suitcase, which makes it easy to pack, lift, and fit into a car trunk, train rack, or overhead compartment. Many have two short handles, and some also come with a longer shoulder strap.

The word is especially common in British English. In American English, the nearest everyday word is often "duffel bag," though the exact shape can vary. A holdall may be used for a weekend away, a night at a hotel, a trip to the gym, or any situation where you need more space than a handbag or backpack offers but do not want to take a full suitcase.

The name suggests something that can "hold all" the things you need, and that simple idea still fits the modern use well. Older examples were often made from canvas or leather, while newer ones may be made from nylon or other light, durable fabrics. In normal use, the word refers to the bag itself, not to a general category or a figurative collection of things. In short, it is a practical travel bag made for carrying a good amount without the bulk of formal luggage.