purse

[purs]

noun

1. handbag.

2. Also called change purse. a small bag, pouch, or case for carrying money.

3. anything resembling a purse in appearance, use, etc.

4. a sum of money offered as a prize or reward.

5. a sum of money collected as a present or the like.

6. money, resources, or wealth.

verb (used with object)

pursed, pursing 

1. to contract into folds or wrinkles; pucker.

   to purse one's lips.

2. to put into a purse.

purse

/ pɜːs /

noun

1. a small bag or pouch, often made of soft leather, for carrying money, esp coins

2. a woman's handbag

3. anything resembling a small bag or pouch in form or function

4. wealth; funds

5. a sum of money that is offered, esp as a prize

verb

1. (tr) to contract (the mouth, lips, etc) into a small rounded shape

Other Word Forms

• purseless adjective
• purselike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of purse¹

First recorded before 1100; (noun) Middle English, Old English purs, blend of pusa “bag” (cognate with Old Norse posi ) and Medieval Latin bursa “bag” (ultimately from Greek býrsa “hide, leather”); (verb) Middle English pursen “to put in a purse,” derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of purse¹

Old English purs, probably from Late Latin bursa bag, ultimately from Greek: leather

Idioms and Phrases

• can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear

Example Sentences

The 22-year-old Asian star is aiming to win the richest tournament in women's golf for a second straight year, with the winner receiving a $4 million top prize from an $11 million purse.

Read more on Barron's

U.K. consumer sentiment slipped in November, with households tightening the purse strings ahead of the budget and a crucial holiday season for retailers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"This schedule reflects the work we've put into elevating our courses, improving our routing, and continuing to grow purses."

Read more on Barron's

The babies’ lips pursed into two round O’s.

Read more on Literature

“Of course,” Penelope said quickly, for no Swanburne girl would be caught out and about without something interesting to read tucked into her pocket or purse.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• bag 
• handbag 
• pocket 
• pocketbook 
• pouch 
• wallet