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

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

I used to think the worst thing to find by the sidewalk was a full doggy bag, but now I realize the worst thing is all the discarded masks I see.

From Seattle Times

This is the very real harvest us weirdos who love ice fishing seek to leave with as much as photos or dinner: this little doggy bag of blessedness.

From New York Times