wallet

[wol-it, waw-lit]

noun

1. a flat, folding pocketbook, especially one large enough to hold paper money, credit cards, driver's license, etc., and sometimes having a compartment for coins.

2. Chiefly British.,  a bag for carrying food, clothing, toilet articles, etc., during a journey; knapsack or rucksack.

wallet

/ ˈwɒlɪt /

noun

1. a small folding case, usually of leather, for holding paper money, documents, etc

2. a bag used to carry tools

3. archaic,  a rucksack or knapsack

Word History and Origins

Origin of wallet¹

1350–1400; Middle English walet < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of wallet¹

C14: of Germanic origin; compare Old English weallian, Old High German wallōn to roam, German wallen to go on a pilgrimage

Example Sentences

As a nation of consumers, Americans have always fought with our wallets.

From Salon

The driver’s license or ID in your wallet is still valid until the expiration date.

From Los Angeles Times

"These changes weren't just driven by younger consumers. We saw growth in mobile wallets and Buy Now Pay Later across older age groups too, highlighting how digital payments are becoming more mainstream across the board."

From BBC

"It's awful. It will mean that people who don't have a big wallet won't be able to come here," says Ms Schaap.

From BBC

Hastings had used a calling card number that belonged to Roberta Wydermyer and was in her wallet at the time of the slaying.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• folder 
• pocketbook 
• purse