pocketbook

noun pock·et·book \ ˈpä-kət-ˌbu̇k \

|Updated on: 8 Jun 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

The orders are in keeping with other actions to belittle federal unions and the pocketbooks of all federal employees.

— joe davidson, Washington Post, "Trump’s orders show unwavering attack on federal unions, employees," 29 May 2018
And there is the prospect that Mr. Trump will put the pocketbooks of American drivers ahead of his strong alliance with the Saudis, should prices rise too high.

— summer said, WSJ, "Saudis Move to Push Oil Prices Higher, in Break From Past Policy," 4 May 2018
Keep the majority of jobs, wages, safety, and yes, pocketbook issues.

— Fox News, "Secretary Nielsen talks immigration, relationship with Trump," 15 May 2018
Mesa voters could face a laundry list of pocketbook issues this November as the city looks to beef up public safety and the school district eyes teacher pay.

— lily altavena, azcentral, "Mesa to vote on public-safety tax hike, 1st of several money requests that may hit ballot," 9 May 2018
With his citizens' pocketbooks in mind, Pete Buttigieg sprang into action and intervened in the case — expressing serious concerns over affordability and a lack of initiatives geared toward sustainability and renewable energy.

— sarah bowman, Indianapolis Star, "IPL wants to raise rates, but the City won't be able to weigh in or stop them — here's why," 4 May 2018
And that, in turn, could lead to lower productivity and U.S. growth, which could also hit consumers' pocketbooks, experts say.

— mike snider, USA TODAY, "With Trump tariffs on China, consumers likely to take a hit," 22 Mar. 2018
Apart from public policy mandates, consumers are voting with their pocketbooks.

— phoebe wall howard, Detroit Free Press, "Why were the Saudis at the Detroit auto show? To push green gas," 18 Feb. 2018
The problem is social capital: Low-income people lack it, and so their personal networks do not often contain millionaires with open pocketbooks.

— sarah jones, The New Republic, "“I Am Those People”," 20 Apr. 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