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carrier bag: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

B1
UK/ˈkær.i.ə ˌbæɡ/US/ˈkɛr.i.ɚ ˌbæɡ/

Everyday, Informal, Retail

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Quick answer

What does “carrier bag” mean?

A paper or plastic bag with handles, used for carrying shopping.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A paper or plastic bag with handles, used for carrying shopping.

A simple, disposable bag typically provided by retailers to transport purchased goods; more broadly, any lightweight handled bag used for carrying items.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In the US, the common term is 'shopping bag' or 'paper bag'/'plastic bag'. 'Carrier bag' is understood but rarely used.

Connotations

In UK English, it's a standard, neutral term for a shop-supplied bag. In US English, it can sound slightly British or formal.

Frequency

Very high frequency in UK English; low to moderate frequency in US English.

Grammar

How to Use “carrier bag” in a Sentence

[Subject] + carry + [Object] + in + a carrier bag.[Subject] + put + [Object] + into + a carrier bag.[Subject] + ask for + a carrier bag.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
paper carrier bagplastic carrier bagsupermarket carrier bagreusable carrier bagsingle-use carrier bag
medium
carry a carrier bagfilled carrier bagload of carrier bagshandles of the carrier bag
weak
heavy carrier bagburst carrier bagpile of carrier bagsforget your carrier bag

Examples

Examples of “carrier bag” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • He carrier-bagged the groceries.
  • I'll just carrier-bag these for you.

American English

  • He bagged the groceries in a plastic bag.
  • I'll just sack these up for you.

adjective

British English

  • The carrier-bag charge has reduced waste.
  • A carrier-bag-full of apples.

American English

  • The shopping bag fee has reduced waste.
  • A bagful of apples.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in retail contexts regarding pricing ('5p carrier bag charge'), sustainability, and packaging.

Academic

Used in environmental studies regarding waste and single-use plastics.

Everyday

The primary context: 'Do you need a carrier bag?' at the checkout.

Technical

Rarely used; more specific terms like 'HDPE bag' or 'single-use plastic sack' are preferred.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “carrier bag”

Strong

plastic bag (if plastic)paper bag (if paper)

Weak

tote bag (implies reusable)sack (implies larger, often without handles)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “carrier bag”

baskettrolleycartrucksack

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “carrier bag”

  • Using 'carrier bag' to refer to a suitcase or travel bag (incorrect).
  • Saying 'carrier' without 'bag' when the object is unclear.
  • Spelling 'carrier' as 'carriar' or 'carier'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

It is understood but very rare. Americans almost always say 'shopping bag', 'paper bag', or 'plastic bag'.

A 'carrier bag' is typically disposable, flimsy, and free/cheap from a shop. A 'tote bag' is sturdier, reusable, and often bought separately for fashion or environmental reasons.

In British English: /ˈkær.i.ə ˌbæɡ/ (KA-ree-uh BAG). In American English: /ˈkɛr.i.ɚ ˌbæɡ/ (KEH-ree-uhr BAG).

To discourage single-use plastic waste and encourage shoppers to bring reusable bags, reducing environmental impact.

A paper or plastic bag with handles, used for carrying shopping.

Carrier bag is usually everyday, informal, retail in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “Brought it home in a carrier bag (implying a simple, low-cost purchase).”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

CARRIER BAG: It CARRIES your shopping. A BAG that acts as a CARRIER.

Conceptual Metaphor

CONTAINER FOR POSSESSIONS, DISPOSABLE CONVENIENCE

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
In the UK, shops now charge for a single-use to reduce waste.
Multiple Choice

Which phrase would a British cashier most likely use?

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