doggy bag

noun

1. a small bag provided on request by a restaurant for a customer to carry home leftovers of a meal, ostensibly to feed a dog or other pet.

doggy bag

noun

1. a bag into which leftovers from a meal may be put and taken away, supposedly for the diner's dog

Word History and Origins

Origin of doggy bag¹

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Example Sentences

The broth can be so delicate that it doesn’t overwhelm you when you walk into a place like Saigon Dish, a Vietnamese favorite in the Lawndale neighborhood, but when you’re finally sitting in your car, which offers a contrast, you can see how the broth, the raw onion, the basil, sticks to your clothes in such a way that reminds you fondly of the meal you just ate — like a doggy bag for your nose.

From Los Angeles Times

The broth can be so delicate that it doesn’t overwhelm you when you walk into a place like Saigon Dish, a Vietnamese favorite in the Lawndale neighborhood, but when you’re finally sitting in your car, which offers a contrast, you can see how the broth, the raw onion, the basil, sticks to your clothes in such a way that reminds you fondly of the meal you just ate — like a doggy bag for your nose.

From Los Angeles Times

My faux bois doggy bag would look comfortable on Rodeo Drive or Fifth Avenue, as though my stomach went on a treat-yourself shopping spree.

From Washington Post

Does the concept of a “doggy bag” exist outside of restaurants?

From Washington Post

I had a neighbor down the street who left doggy bags with dog poo and my name written out on the doggy bag because he hated me so much.

From Salon