pocketbook

noun pock·et·book \ ˈpä-kət-ˌbu̇k \

|Updated on: 3 Aug 2018

Examples: pocketbook in a Sentence

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

Even patients who are using the specific drugs on Pfizer’s list may not notice much of a difference in their pocketbooks after the Tuesday deal, experts said.

— erin mershon, STAT, "What Pfizer, Trump, and consumers got out of a surprising deal — and what they didn’t," 11 July 2018
Hospitals are tracking how Ohioans' pocketbooks and their care are affected by Anthem's change.

— jessie balmert, Cincinnati.com, "Anthem insurance might not pay for ER visits in Ohio and Kentucky," 21 Feb. 2018
Meanwhile, investors momentarily put aside their brewing trade concerns a day after the Trump administration threatened tariffs on an additional $200 billion of products from China, including bicycles, refrigerators and pocketbooks.

— michael wursthorn, WSJ, "U.S. Stocks Regain Ground After Losses," 12 July 2018
Missing out on the festival didn't just affect Dyer and Bartorona's pocketbooks.

— benjy egel, sacbee, "They bought tickets to a bogus sushi festival. Now they can’t get their money back," 11 July 2018
As always, the pocketbook discussion will ultimately matter most.

— ben golliver, SI.com, "2018 NBA Free Agency: The Early Winners And Losers," 5 July 2018
Powell would proffer a wholly new outlook by claiming that Americans needed to listen not only to their hearts, pocketbooks and deep aspirations, but to what the land itself and the climate would tell them.

— john f. ross, Smithsonian, "The Visionary John Wesley Powell Had a Plan for Developing the West, But Nobody Listened," 3 July 2018
Rania echoed that polished theme with accessories—Fendi stilettos and a Céline pocketbook in matching brown tones—that read totally boss.

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "Queen Rania of Jordan Styles the Scarf Skirt Like a Royal Boss," 27 June 2018
In her great escape, Dolores (Evan Rachel Wood) managed to smuggle a pocketbook filled with control units out of the park.

— josh wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Westworld': 9 Burning Questions for Season 3," 26 June 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

pocketbook Synonyms

Synonyms

bag, handbag, purse;

Related Words

clutch, clutch bag;

billfold, wallet;

poke, pouch, sack;

shoulder bag;

pocketbook

adjective

Definition of pocketbook

: relating to or involving economic interests

First Known Use of pocketbook

1894

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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