pocketbook

[pok-it-book]

noun

1. handbag.

2. a person's financial resources or means.

   The price was out of reach of his pocketbook.

3. Also pocket book a book, usually paperback, that is small enough to carry in one's coat pocket.

4. British.

   1. a notebook for carrying in one's pocket.

   2. a wallet or billfold.

pocketbook

/ ˈpɒkɪtˌbʊk /

noun

1. a small bag or case for money, papers, etc, carried by a handle or in the pocket

2. (modifier) concerned with personal finance

   pocketbook issues

Word History and Origins

Origin of pocketbook¹

First recorded in 1610–20; pocket + book

Example Sentences

Economists and other experts have long repeated the conventional wisdom that the stock market isn’t the economy, meaning that temporary pullbacks on Wall Street don’t always ripple as far as the average American’s pocketbook.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

There's an old adage in American politics that says people "vote with their pocketbooks" - and turn against politicians if they appear to harm their finances.

Read more on BBC

Making the connection between the fall of democracy to people’s pocketbooks is going to have to be a straight line as we move to the midterms.

Read more on Salon

In fact, his infatuation with tariffs seems destined to hit citizens in the pocketbook.

Read more on Salon

Those attacks have profound implications not only for Americans’ health, but on pocketbook issues and the U.S. economy generally.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• handbag 
• pouch 
• purse 
• suitcase 
• wallet