Definition

A small basket that has a handle, used for carrying items.

Example

She carried the groceries in a handbasket.

Conversation

I bought this new handbasket for our picnic tomorrow.

That sounds great! It will be perfect for carrying snacks.

Yeah, it's the right size to hold everything we need.

Awesome! I can't wait to fill it up.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Handbasket → The word is formed from "hand" (from Old English "hand", meaning the prehensile part of the body used for grasping) and "basket" (from Old French "basquet", meaning a container made of interwoven materials). Together, it refers to a container that is held in the hand.

Memory Tip

Think of using your 'hand' to hold a 'basket' — that's how you remember that a handbasket is a basket you carry by hand.

Visually Confused Words