purchase

1 of 2

verb

pur·​chase ˈpər-chəs 

purchased; purchasing

transitive verb

1

a

: to obtain by paying money or its equivalent : buy

b

: to acquire (real estate) by means other than descent

c

: to obtain by labor, danger, or sacrifice

d

archaic : gain, acquire

2

: to constitute the means for buying

Our dollars purchase less each year.

intransitive verb

: to purchase something

purchasable

ˈpər-chə-sə-bəl 

adjective

purchaser noun

purchase

2 of 2

noun

1

: an act or instance of purchasing

2

: something obtained especially for a price in money or its equivalent

3

a(1)

: an advantage (such as a firm hold or position) used in applying one's power

clutching the steering wheel for more purchase

—Barry Crump

(2)

: a means of exerting power

b(1)

: a mechanical hold or advantage applied to the raising or moving of heavy bodies

(2)

: an apparatus or device by which advantage is gained

Synonyms

Verb

• buy
• cop [slang]
• pick up
• take

Examples of purchase in a Sentence

Verb

He purchased a new suit for a hundred dollars.

I need to purchase a new heavy coat.

Noun

The CD player is guaranteed for one year from the date of purchase.

The car was an expensive purchase.

He displayed his recent purchases with pride.

The ice made it impossible for the car's wheels to gain a purchase on the road.

The surface was so slick that the wheels couldn't gain purchase.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The Taiwanese firm committed to purchase Circ’s recycled pulp over the course of five years to produce lyocell fibers that apparel brands can integrate into their existing supply chains. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 19 May 2025

The system enables customers to purchase items without waiting in lines by integrating AI technology with sensors and computer vision. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

Noun

That means buyers can no longer carve out for purchase just the clean assets. —Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

Liu noted that even those who have paid off their loans may delay retirement savings or large purchases, extending financial insecurity into later life. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English purchacen, from Anglo-French purchacer to strive for, obtain, from por-, pur- thoroughly, to a conclusion (from Latin pro- forward, for) + chacer to pursue, chase — more at pro-

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1d

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing purchase

• hire purchase
• point-of-purchase
• pre-purchase
• proof of purchase
• purchase order
• purchase price

Rhymes for purchase

• repurchase

Kids Definition

purchase

1 of 2 verb

pur·​chase ˈpər-chəs 

purchased; purchasing

: to get by paying money for : buy

purchase a house

purchasable

-chə-sə-bəl 

adjective

purchaser noun

purchase

2 of 2 noun

1

: an act or instance of purchasing

2

: something purchased

3

: a secure hold, grasp, or place to stand

could not get a purchase on the ledge

Legal Definition

purchase

1 of 2 verb

pur·​chase

purchased; purchasing

transitive verb

1

: to acquire (real property) by means other than descent or inheritance

2

: to obtain by paying money or giving other valuable consideration

specifically : to take (property) by a voluntary transaction (as a sale, mortgage, pledge, lien, or gift) that creates an interest and that is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code see also bona fide purchaser

intransitive verb

: to purchase something

purchasable adjective

purchaser noun

purchase

2 of 2 noun

: an act or instance of purchasing: as

a

: the acquiring of real property by any means other than descent or inheritance

b

: the acquiring of an interest in property especially in exchange for valuable consideration see also word of purchase