pocketbook

1 of 2

noun

pock·​et·​book ˈpä-kət-ˌbu̇k 

1

often pocket book : a small especially paperback book that can be carried in the pocket

2

: a flat typically leather folding case for money or personal papers that can be carried in a pocket or handbag

3

a

: purse

b

: handbag sense 2

4

a

: financial resources : income

b

: economic interests

pocketbook

2 of 2

adjective

: relating to or involving economic interests

Synonyms

Noun

• purse
• wallet

Examples of pocketbook in a Sentence

Noun

she pulled some lip balm out of her pocketbook

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Month-over-month changes in electric costs typically register at less than a cent, but that doesn’t mean consumers won’t feel it in their pocketbooks. —Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025

Fraud losses hit individuals in the pocketbook, not banks. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

While the spending blueprint has been hotly debated because of its effects on household pocketbooks at various income levels, its impact on the overall economy is also a point of contention. —Paul Davidson, USA Today, 11 July 2025

The tax law approved in early July also includes another provision that will hit Tesla and other EV makers in the pocketbook — repealing fines for automakers that don’t meet federal fuel economy standards. —Alexa St. John, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pocketbook

• suit every pocketbook

Rhymes for pocketbook

• kinderhook
• meadowbrook
• overlook
• overtook
• storybook
• tillamook
• undertook
• betook
• casebook
• chapbook
• checkbook
• chinook

Kids Definition

pocketbook

noun

pock·​et·​book

ˈpäk-ət-ˌbu̇k

1

often pocket book : a small especially paperback book

2

: a container for money and personal papers : wallet

3

a

: purse entry 1 sense 1

b

: handbag sense 2

4

: financial resources : income

a price suited to your pocketbook