string bag: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1informal, everyday
Quick answer
What does “string bag” mean?
A simple bag made of a mesh of string or cord, often used for carrying groceries or produce.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A simple bag made of a mesh of string or cord, often used for carrying groceries or produce.
A lightweight, collapsible, reusable bag made from woven or knotted netting, typically associated with shopping, beach use, or casual storage. It often signifies practicality and eco-friendliness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Common and well-understood in both varieties. In American English, 'mesh bag' is a frequent alternative.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with traditional shopping, often for fruits/vegetables, and with a slightly old-fashioned or 'granny chic' aesthetic. US: Connotes environmental consciousness (as a reusable alternative to plastic) and casual utility.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK English, but widely used in both.
Grammar
How to Use “string bag” in a Sentence
VERB + string bag: carry, pack, fill, pull outADJECTIVE + string bag: reusable, woven, netted, bulgingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “string bag” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- She always keeps a folded string bag in her handbag for unplanned shopping.
- The greengrocer weighed the oranges directly in the customer's string bag.
American English
- I bought a couple of string bags for carrying produce from the farmers market.
- Her string bag was filled with library books and a water bottle.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in retail contexts selling eco-friendly products.
Academic
Very rare.
Everyday
Common, especially in discussions about shopping, markets, and sustainable living.
Technical
Rare. Textile or manufacturing contexts might specify materials.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “string bag”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “string bag”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “string bag”
- Using 'string bag' to refer to a bag with string *handles* (e.g., a paper bag with string). The defining feature is the bag's body being made of string/netting.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'tote bag' is a broader term for a large, open bag with parallel handles. A string bag is a *type* of tote bag, but one specifically made from a string mesh. Tote bags are often made of canvas, leather, or other solid materials.
Yes, most string bags, especially those made of cotton or synthetic fibers like nylon, can be hand-washed or put in a delicate machine wash. This is one of their practical advantages.
They are reusable, durable, washable, and often made from natural materials like cotton. They replace single-use plastic bags, reducing waste. Their production also typically has a lower environmental footprint than plastic bag manufacturing.
This is the Russian cultural counterpart to the string bag. Its name comes from the word 'авось' (meaning 'perhaps' or 'maybe'), humorously reflecting the Soviet habit of always carrying a bag 'just in case' you found something to buy in a shop.
A simple bag made of a mesh of string or cord, often used for carrying groceries or produce.
String bag is usually informal, everyday in register.
String bag: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstrɪŋ ˌbæɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstrɪŋ ˌbæɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(informal) Everything but the kitchen sink: e.g., 'She arrived with a string bag stuffed with everything but the kitchen sink.'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of STRINGS woven together to make a BAG.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIMPLICITY IS A STRING BAG (represents uncomplicated, practical utility).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of a string bag?