dorothy bag

dorothy bag

A woman carries a small dorothy bag by its wrist strap.

Definition

Noun: A "dorothy bag" is a type of handbag, typically made of fabric, that closes with a drawstring and is often carried by women. It is characterized by a soft, gathered shape and sometimes includes a wrist strap or a loop for carrying.

Usage Examples
  • (A small drawstring handbag used as an accessory.)
  • (A fabric handbag with a drawstring closure.)
  • (A woman's handbag with a distinctive gathered design.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to sport a dorothy bag": to wear or carry a dorothy bag as a fashion statement.

    • She sported a leather dorothy bag at the wedding. (She wore a drawstring handbag to complement her outfit.)
  • "a dorothy bag in vogue": a dorothy bag that is fashionable or popular at a given time.

    • The dorothy bag was in vogue during the 1920s. (The drawstring handbag was trendy in that era.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Dorothy-bag (n): an alternative spelling, often hyphenated.

    • She owned a collection of dorothy-bags from various decades. (Multiple drawstring handbags.)
  • Drawstring bag (n): a broader term for any bag that closes with a drawstring, of which the dorothy bag is a specific style.

    • A drawstring bag is simple to carry and open. (A bag with a cord to tighten the opening.)
Synonyms
  • Drawstring purse: a small bag with a cord closure.
  • Gathered handbag: a handbag with a soft, pleated or gathered shape.
  • Pouch: a small bag or sack, often with a drawstring.
Related Idioms
  • "Out of the bag": a play on the drawstring closure, meaning something is revealed or no longer secret (not specific to dorothy bag but derived from the general concept of a bag).

    • The secret is out of the bag now. (The secret has been disclosed.)
  • "Bag of tricks": a collection of items or skills, sometimes humorously applied to a dorothy bag as a small, portable container.

    • She carried her makeup in a dorothy bag, her own little bag of tricks. (A small bag for personal items.)