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

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

When Americans purchase foreign stocks and see the greenback decline, Sterling noted, their returns can get a significant boost. —Greg McKenna, Fortune, 24 June 2025

This one, which has been purchased over 5,000 times in the last month, is more than half-off, though there are thousands of others to choose from. Ruggable: Use the code FLASH at checkout to score 15 percent off washable rugs. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 24 June 2025

Noun

The biggest risk lies in the power purchase agreement (PPA). —Thomas H. Ruggie, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

What Happens Next Consumers who bought the fish are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. —Matt Cannon, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 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