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pocketbook

noun
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pock·​et·​book | \ ˈpä-kət-ˌbu̇k How to pronounce pocketbook (audio) \

Definition of pocketbook

 (Entry 1 of 2)

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
3a : purse
b : handbag sense 2
4a : financial resources : income
b : economic interests

pocketbook

adjective

Definition of pocketbook (Entry 2 of 2)

: relating to or involving economic interests
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about pocketbook

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Synonyms for pocketbook

Synonyms: Noun

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Examples of pocketbook in a Sentence

Noun she pulled some lip balm out of her pocketbook
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The core Republican Party operatives understand that white Southerners not only love the South, but still have strong emotional ties to the past, and those ties override pocketbook voting. — Richard Mason, Arkansas Online, "OPINION | RICHARD MASON: Pocketbook voting versus emotional voting," 11 Oct. 2020 Some, like a hefty plain pocketbook mussel, could weigh as much as a small melon. — Morgan Greene, chicagotribune.com, "They’re not otters, but endangered mussels in Illinois play a crucial role as environmental sentinels. ‘They all have a story to tell.’," 25 Sep. 2020 The hit to the pocketbook can be dire, with some parents even going into debt to equip their children for remote schooling – as well as feeding them breakfast and lunch each day, Credit Karma found in a recent study. — Aimee Picchi, USA TODAY, "Chromebook, headphones, desks: COVID-era virtual school supplies come with real spike in spending," 16 Sep. 2020 The Vermont independent thinks Biden should focus more on pocketbook issues such as health care and his plans for the economy, and campaign more with popular liberal figures like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. — Anna Edney, Bloomberg.com, "Bernie Sanders Said to Have Concerns on State of Biden Campaign," 12 Sep. 2020 With China’s trade restrictions and additional threats made in response to the Foreign Relations Bill, the message from the Chinese is very clear: Criticize or challenge us politically and your pocketbook will suffer. — Michael Johns Jr., National Review, "Australia Faces Down the Dragon," 8 Sep. 2020 The campaign would benefit from additional details from Trump in particular about his plan to do this, and in turn, greater debate over this pocketbook issue. — Editorial Board Star Tribune, Star Tribune, "Biden has a real plan to lower health care insurance costs," 5 Sep. 2020 Pick one that best fits your pocketbook and lifestyle, and then hit the trail. — Richard Mann, Field & Stream, "The 10 Best Handguns and Long Guns for the Trail," 17 Aug. 2020 More significantly, the party started to focus more on pocketbook and California-centric issues, including housing, taxes and water quality. — Michael Smolens Columnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Exiting S.D. GOP leader’s tenure marked by party’s decline," 16 Aug. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pocketbook.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of pocketbook

Noun

1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for pocketbook

Time Traveler

The first known use of pocketbook was in 1617

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Statistics for pocketbook

Last Updated

19 Oct 2020

Cite this Entry

“Pocketbook.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pocketbook. Accessed 27 Oct. 2020.

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More Definitions for pocketbook

pocketbook

noun
How to pronounce pocketbook (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of pocketbook

US, somewhat old-fashioned : a bag usually with handles and pockets that is used by women to carry money and personal belongings
US : the amount of money that someone has available to spend : someone's ability to pay for things

See the full definition for pocketbook in the English Language Learners Dictionary

pocketbook

noun
pock·​et·​book | \ ˈpä-kət-ˌbu̇k How to pronounce pocketbook (audio) \

Kids Definition of pocketbook

1 : handbag
2 : the amount of money that someone has to spend The price suits my pocketbook.

More from Merriam-Webster on pocketbook

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pocketbook

Nglish: Translation of pocketbook for Spanish Speakers

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