carpetbag

/ˌkɑrpətˈbæg/
IPA guide

Other forms: carpetbags

Definitions of carpetbag
  1. noun
    traveling bag made of carpet; widely used in 19th century
    see moresee less
    type of:
    bag, grip, suitcase, traveling bag, travelling bag
    a portable rectangular container for carrying clothes
  2. adjective
    presumptuously seeking success or a position in a new locality
    “a carpetbag stranger”
    synonyms: carpetbagging
    expedient
    serving to promote your interest
  3. adjective
    following the practices or characteristic of carpetbaggers
    “carpetbag adventurers”
    “a carpetbag government”
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘carpetbag'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family