moneybag: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal (especially in plural figurative sense)
Quick answer
What does “moneybag” mean?
A bag for holding money.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bag for holding money.
1. A large or prominent bag used to store or transport coins or banknotes. 2. (slang, often plural: moneybags) A very wealthy or stingy person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. 'Moneybags' as a nickname for a wealthy person is understood in both varieties. No significant spelling or pronunciation differences.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'moneybags' can carry slightly negative or teasing connotations, implying vulgar or ostentatious wealth, or stinginess.
Frequency
Low frequency for the literal object. The figurative plural form has moderate frequency in informal/colloquial contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “moneybag” in a Sentence
[Noun] is a real moneybags.The miser counted coins from his leather moneybag.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moneybag” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in historical contexts (e.g., 'The courier carried the moneybag to the bank'). Figurative use ('corporate moneybags') possible in informal commentary.
Academic
Very rare. Might appear in historical, economic, or sociological texts discussing wealth or archaic commerce.
Everyday
Figurative plural use ('moneybags') in informal speech to refer humorously or critically to a rich person. Literal singular is uncommon.
Technical
Virtually non-existent in technical registers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moneybag”
- Using 'moneybag' (singular) to refer to a rich person. The standard term for the person is the plural 'moneybags'. (Incorrect: 'He is a moneybag.' Correct: 'He is a moneybags.' or 'He is moneybags.')
- Treating 'moneybags' as a singular noun requiring a plural verb. It's grammatically plural but refers to a single entity. (e.g., 'Moneybags *is* here', not 'Moneybags are here').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the literal singular 'moneybag' is quite rare in modern English. The figurative plural 'moneybags' (for a person) is more common but still informal.
Yes, though it's a masculine-leaning generic term. Context like 'she's a real moneybags' is perfectly understandable, but terms like 'rich socialite' might be more typical.
It can be, depending on tone. It often implies criticism of someone's flaunting of wealth or stinginess. It's more teasing or mildly derogatory than a severe insult.
A moneybag is typically a sack or pouch, often drawstring, used historically or for bulk coins. A wallet is a flat, folding case for banknotes and cards, carried in a pocket.
A bag for holding money.
Moneybag is usually informal (especially in plural figurative sense) in register.
Moneybag: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌnɪbæɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌnibæɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's loaded, a real moneybags.”
- “Don't be such a moneybags, buy a round!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bag with a dollar sign ($) on it. The word is simple: MONEY + BAG.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEALTH IS A CONTAINER (A bag full of money). A PERSON IS THEIR WEALTH (He *is* a moneybag).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern usage of 'moneybags'?