pocketbook

noun pock·et·book \ ˈpä-kət-ˌbu̇k \

Definition of pocketbook

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 2

4 a :financial resources :income

b :economic interests

See pocketbook defined for English-language learners

See pocketbook defined for kids

Examples of pocketbook in a Sentence

she pulled some lip balm out of her pocketbook

Recent Examples of pocketbook from the Web

But don’t sweat it if your pocketbook won’t allow a pup purchase; 67 percent of men and 79 percent of women said someone who simply expresses outward affection for dogs is also attractive.

— christen a. johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Survey shows love for dogs makes you more attractive," 25 Aug. 2017
Just 26.5 percent of the entire electorate expressed broadly conservative positions on pocketbook issues.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump Democrats Are Rare — But Electorally Important," 16 Aug. 2017
She's definitely benefitted from appropriating underground or foreign cultures for the sake of her image, and ultimately, her pocketbook.

— jihan forbes, Allure, "I Dressed Like Madonna and This Is What Happened," 16 Aug. 2017
For those with varied interests and bigger pocketbooks, Brooks Camp also offers flightseeing trips, guided fishing, kayak and canoe rentals, and excellent meals and ample opportunities for socialization in the lodge.

— clark fair, Alaska Dispatch News, "Beyond the bears: Here’s a rundown of other Brooks Camp attractions in Katmai," 29 July 2017
Food shortages have also made a profound dent in the pocketbooks of migrant workers.

— sabrina toppa, Washington Post, "The embargo of Qatar is hurting foreign workers more than Qatari citizens," 20 July 2017
To be successful, Democrats need to return to core pocketbook issues: how to create middle class jobs, how to spur economic development, how to help the nation’s 2 million small businesses.

— ken stern, vanityfair.com, "How the Democrats Fell for Trump’s Trap," 19 July 2017
To be successful, Democrats need to return to core pocketbook issues: how to create middle class jobs, how to spur economic development, how to help the nation’s 2 million small businesses.

— ken stern, The Hive, "How the Democrats Fell for Trump’s Trap," 19 July 2017
Sunglass cases, hankies, make-up bags, totes that hold tap shoes and batons, pocketbooks and key chains are all good candidates for our family markings.

— leslie anne tarabella, AL.com, "Put a monogram on it," 10 July 2017

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.

First Known Use of pocketbook

1617

pocketbook Synonyms

Synonyms

bag, handbag, purse

Related Words

clutch, clutch bag, minaudière; billfold, wallet; compact, vanity; poke, pouch, sack; shoulder bag

pocketbook

adjective

Definition of pocketbook

:relating to or involving economic interests

First Known Use of pocketbook

1894

POCKETBOOK Defined for English Language Learners

pocketbook

noun

Definition of pocketbook for English Language Learners

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