Definition

Noun: 1. A small bag, typically closed with a drawstring, used for holding coins or money. 2. A very wealthy person (used informally and often in the plural form "moneybags"). This usage is figurative, comparing a rich person to a container full of money.

Usage

• The singular form "moneybag" most literally refers to the physical bag.
• The plural form "moneybags" is almost exclusively used as an informal, sometimes slightly derogatory, term for a rich person.

Examples

• Literal (Noun - object):
  • The merchant kept his coins in a leather moneybag tied to his belt.
  • She reached into her moneybag to pay for the bread.
• Figurative (Noun - person, usually plural):
  • The new yacht was bought by some moneybags from the city.
  • He acts like a real moneybags, throwing cash around everywhere.

Advanced Usage

• "Moneybags" as a vocative/nickname: It can be used directly to address or refer to a wealthy individual.
  • Ask moneybags over there if he'll loan us some cash for the project.

Variants and Related Words

• Moneybags (n, pl): The standard informal term for a wealthy person. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• For the object: purse, pouch, coin purse.
• For the person (informal): tycoon, magnate, plutocrat, rich person, fat cat (slang).

Notes on Meaning

The word has two distinct meanings: 1. The primary, concrete meaning is a container for money. 2. The secondary, figurative meaning is a metonym, where the container ("bag" holding money) is used to represent the person who possesses the wealth. This figurative use is far more common in modern English than the literal one.

Noun

1. a drawstring bag for holding money