purse
Americannoun
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Also called change purse. a small bag, pouch, or case for carrying money.
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anything resembling a purse in appearance, use, etc.
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a sum of money offered as a prize or reward.
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a sum of money collected as a present or the like.
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money, resources, or wealth.
verb (used with object)
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to contract into folds or wrinkles; pucker.
to purse one's lips.
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to put into a purse.
noun
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a small bag or pouch, often made of soft leather, for carrying money, esp coins
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a woman's handbag
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anything resembling a small bag or pouch in form or function
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wealth; funds
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a sum of money that is offered, esp as a prize
verb
Other Word Forms
- purseless adjective
- purselike adjective
Etymology
Origin of purse
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Accessories including lip-shaped purses, tiaras and huge statement necklaces completed the eclectic looks.
From BBC
But Charles then stepped in to provide him with a private home, at the King's expense rather than the public purse.
From BBC
Despite a better-than-feared budget in November, persistent economic and political volatility has left households hesitant to open the purse strings.
Mom was still pointlessly reaching into her purse—all because of that “Pay your own way” virtue she and Dad always preached.
From Literature
On a final note, I will say, I was relieved to see Stephen at least left behind Lucy’s purse.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
