# briefcase

/ˈbɹifˌkeɪs/ (US) · /bɹˈiːfkeɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/briefcase
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a bag for documents

noun · CEFR B1

a flat case with a handle, used for carrying papers and documents to work.

For teachers: a flat, rectangular container with a handle, designed for transporting documents and professional materials.

- He packed his laptop and the new contracts into his leather briefcase before the meeting.
- The attorney arrived at the courthouse clutching a battered leather briefcase that appeared to be overflowing with legal transcripts and evidence folders.

### 2. computing folder

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a special folder on older Windows computers that helped keep files the same on two different devices.

For teachers: a legacy utility in Microsoft Windows designed to facilitate file synchronization between a desktop and a portable computer.

- In older versions of Windows, you could use the Briefcase to sync files between your PC and a floppy disk.
- Before cloud storage became ubiquitous, the Briefcase provided a rudimentary method for users to synchronize document versions across multiple workstations.

Usage: Usually capitalized when referring to the specific software feature.

Teaching tip: This sense is largely obsolete in modern computing; students are unlikely to encounter it outside of legacy system documentation.

## Examples

- He packs his laptop and notes into his leather briefcase.
- The lawyer opened her briefcase to reveal the signed contracts required for the closing meeting.
- In an era of digital tablets, the heavy leather briefcase remains a potent symbol of professional authority and traditional corporate culture.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.