What does satchel mean?
A satchel is a small, usually sturdy bag or case with a handle or shoulder strap. It is used for carrying items such as books, notebooks, school supplies, food, or other personal belongings, and in British English it is particularly associated with a child’s schoolbag. The word can refer to leather or fabric versions and may also describe a compact case used for work or travel. Satchels are generally lighter and less structured than briefcases, while a backpack is designed to be worn on the back with two straps. Although its form and use vary, the term consistently conveys a manageable personal carrier rather than a large piece of luggage.
nounA small bag or case with a handle or strap, used for carrying personal belongings, books, school materials, or food. It may be carried over the shoulder or by hand.
- A small bag or case used for carrying books, school materials, food, or other personal belongings.
"She packed her notebook and pencils in a worn leather satchel."
"The boy carried a stack of books in his satchel."
"A leather satchel rests beside the entrance, ready for the morning commute."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"Several old satchels were lined up along the classroom wall."
The word satchel comes from Latin sacculus, literally a small bag, and still carries that sense of a compact carrier for everyday essentials.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does satchel come from?
The word comes through Old French satchel, a diminutive of sac, meaning a bag, ultimately from Latin sacculus, a small sack or bag. The suffix-like diminutive ending reflects the original sense of a small carrying bag. Related English words include sac, an ecclesiastical term for a bag or pouch, and sack, an Old English word for a large bag; Latin saccule also provides a cognate form.
How satchel is actually used
In British English, satchel is especially associated with a schoolbag worn over the shoulder. In American English it is also used more broadly for small shoulder bags or cases, though briefcase and backpack may be more common for some purposes.
Easily confused with satchel
A satchel is generally a small or medium-sized bag with a strap, while a briefcase is a structured case intended for documents and usually associated with business or professional use.