satchel

Everyday

A bag with a long strap, worn over the shoulder or on the back, used especially for carrying school books. tree →

In the lessons

In the UK, Ireland and Australia, satchels were the traditional leather school bags; today most pupils use backpacks or rucksacks. In stories and old poems, a schoolboy goes «with his satchel and shining morning face». The word gives an old-fashioned or school feeling.

Examples

• She put her pencil case and reading book in her satchel. tree →
• My grandad had a brown leather satchel at school. tree →
• The postman's satchel was full of letters. tree →
• He swung his satchel over his shoulder and ran to school. tree →
• Don't forget your satchel! tree →
• The satchel was heavy with books. tree →
• Give me what you have got in your satchel.’ tree →

Note

Countable. Similar: schoolbag, rucksack, backpack, school bag. Spelling: s-a-t-c-h-e-l.