Baguette: A small handbag that is long and narrow like the French loaf of bread by the same name.

Billfold (wallet): A folding pocketbook with compartments for money, cards and personal items.

Bottom feet: Metal or plastic knobs on the bottom of a stiff-sided handbag. These protect the bag when it is set down.

Box bag: A small or medium-sized handbag with hard sides and a box shape.

Bracelet handle: A handle that forms a complete circle.

Bucket bag: A soft-sided, bucket-shaped handbag with a round bottom; usually taller than wide.

Change (coin) purse: A small purse or wallet section for loose coins.

Clutch: A small handbag that is carried in the hand with no straps or handles; it also may be tucked under the arm.

Coin (change) purse: A small purse or wallet section for loose coins.

Compartment: A large section inside a handbag.

Demi bag: A small handbag with a short top handle to be carried in the hand or on the shoulder.

Drawstring: A cord, strip of leather or fabric, or string that can be pulled to gather the fabric of a handbag to close it.

East-west: A handbag that is wider than it is tall.

Etui: Small, ornamental bag for personal items.

Evening bag: A handbag to use with evening wear; usually only large enough for a few personal items, such as money and lipstick.

Flap bag: A handbag with a fold-over flap that is its distinguishing feature.

Framed bag: A bag with a solid frame that defines its shape.

Gusset: The triangular end piece of a handbag that gives it its depth and roominess.

Half moon bag: A bag shaped like a half moon, with or without a handle.

Hobo bag: A slouchy, cloth shoulder bag that hangs down in the middle.

Messenger bag: A large bag with a long strap to wear across the shoulders. The front features a large fold-over flap.

North-south: A handbag that is taller than it is wide.

Organizer: A pocketbook with compartments to carry personal items.

Pocket: A small section inside a handbag.

Pouchette: A small, oval handbag.

Purse: A general term for a small bag to carry money and personal items.

Satchel: A large handbag with a top closure, top carrying handle and notable triangular side profile.

Sling bag: A cloth bag with a shoulder strap that attaches on one end to the top of the bag and on the other end to the bottom of the bag.

Shopper (tote) bag: A large bag with two handles and an open top.

Shoulder bag: A general term for a bag that can be strapped over the shoulder.

Shoulder guard: A piece of fabric or padding on a shoulder strap that distributes the weight of a bag.

Shoulder strap: A long strap on a bag that allows it to be carried on the shoulder.

Slouch bag: A general term for a cloth bag without a defined or stiff shape.

Top-handle bag: A bag with a small handle at the top for carrying in the hand.

Tote (shopper) bag: A large bag with two handles and an open top.

Valise: A handbag with a top closure that has two top carrying handles and features a triangular or oval profile.

Wallet (billfold): A folding pocketbook with compartments for money, cards and personal items.

Wrist strap: A thin loop of material attached to a small bag or wallet so that it may be carried on the wrist.

Zipper pull: A zipper with a tab for easy opening and closing; sometimes has a signature element of the handbag designer.