a bindle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bindle" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a bundle of belongings, often associated with transient lifestyles or hobo culture. Example: "He carried his possessions in a bindle as he traveled from town to town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

He went out to his car and came back red-faced, tapping a bindle of coke into the palm of his hand.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I sort of assumed I was just going to pack up a bindle sack and start roaming the earth," he said.

The New Yorker

George James Francoo) and Lennie (Chris O'Dowd) set up camp by a stream and ate beans from cans in a bindle.

The New Yorker

Just when Exclamation Mark has tied a bindle to his staff and is ready to run away from it all, he meets another grammatical oddity, a question mark, who naturally has a lot of questions for the bemused hero.

The New York Times - Books

When Ms. Hilton stepped out of the car and reached for some lip balm, Sgt. John Sheahan of the Las Vegas Police Department said, "a bindle of cocaine in a plastic bag came out of her purse".

The New York Times - Arts

A gray bearded old hobo, a "bindle stiff," Johnny labelled him, methodically unfurled various-sized rectangles of blanket and, sighing tranquilly, with hands locked together, reclined on his improvised couch, his head propped up by a stained knapsack.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Oversize boots, a moth-eaten tweed jacket, and my dad's busted felt hunting hat, which smelled of deer lure; finish it up with a beard scuffed on with a charcoal briquette, a handkerchief bindle tied to a hockey stick, an old empty bottle.

Vice

What laptop you carry, what phone you own, what smartwatch you wear is as reliable a signal of your status and position as dirty dungarees and a hobo bindle were during the Great Depression.

TechCrunch

On the way to the station, the deputy noticed the man leaning forward and stopped to conduct a more thorough search, which revealed a white plastic bindle and a glass pipe.

Los Angeles Times

In 1958, what became a famous Norman Rockwell image-a friendly cop and a would-be runaway boy, a hobo's bindle at his feet, eying each other from adjacent stools at the counter of a diner, with the counterman looking on-illustrated the cover of the Saturday Evening Post.

The New Yorker

This is the unlikely potential of a place like Bindle & Keep: the tailors recognize that suits, while inherently tied to a long lineage of male-dominated environments, contain a sartorial potency the timeless power of looking sharp, put-together, complete that can be imbued to people of all genders.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bindle" to evoke a sense of historical context, particularly in relation to the Great Depression or hobo culture. It adds a specific flavor to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a bindle" in modern contexts where it might seem anachronistic or out of touch. It's not a synonym for any generic bag or backpack.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bindle" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, indicating that it properly identifies a physical object or collection. For instance, in the sentence 'He carried his possessions in a bindle,' it describes what he carried.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bindle" is a noun phrase referring to a bundle of belongings, especially one carried by a traveler or hobo. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in English. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to consider its historical and cultural connotations, primarily associated with poverty and transience, as noted in various examples from Ludwig. It's a common term, particularly in News & Media, but should be used thoughtfully to avoid anachronisms. When aiming for clarity, consider alternatives like "bundle of belongings" or "traveler's knapsack" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bundle of belongings

This alternative directly replaces "bindle" with a more common synonym describing the contents.

a hobo's pack

This specifies the type of pack, linking it to the traditional image associated with the phrase.

a traveler's knapsack

This emphasizes the travel aspect and uses a more modern term for a bag.

a swag

This uses an Australian slang term with a similar meaning related to carrying belongings.

a bedroll

This focuses on the bedding component often included in a bindle.

a tramp's roll

This alternative uses a different term for someone who travels and carries their belongings.

a meager collection

This highlights the often limited nature of the contents in a bindle.

personal effects

This is a more formal term for the items someone carries with them.

portable belongings

This alternative emphasizes the ability to carry belongings from one place to another.

traveling kit

This alternative focuses on items used for travel.

FAQs

How can I use "a bindle" in a sentence?

You can use "a bindle" to describe a bundle of possessions carried by a traveler, especially one who is poor or homeless. For example, "The character carried his few belongings in "a bindle" over his shoulder."

What's the difference between "a bindle" and "a backpack"?

"A bindle" refers to a specific type of bundle, often tied to a stick and carried by a hobo or transient. "A backpack" is a modern bag worn on the back for carrying various items. "A bindle" evokes a sense of historical poverty and transience, whereas "a backpack" is a common item for travel or school.

What can I say instead of "a bindle"?

You can use alternatives like "a bundle of belongings", "a hobo's pack", or "a traveler's knapsack" depending on the context.

Is "a bindle" still a common term?

"A bindle" is not a commonly used term in modern everyday conversation. It's more frequently found in historical contexts, literature, or when referring to the traditional image of a hobo.