purchase

verb

Save Word

pur·chase | \ ˈpər-chəs

purchased; purchasing

Definition of purchase

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : 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

purchase

noun

Definition of purchase (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : an act or instance of purchasing

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

3a(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

Other Words from purchase Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing purchase Learn More About purchase

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Juror selection will take place at 4 p.m., and the day will end with the Fresh Paint Party, a reception where the public can meet the artists, purchase artwork and enjoy refreshments. — Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 11 May 2022 Or a new queen, which keepers can purchase — live — for about $20. — Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2022 This one is currently in the testing phase, but CTR has already formed a partnership with General Motors, which will purchase lithium produced here for its electric vehicles. — Peter Valdes-dapena, CNN, 11 May 2022 Drugstore chains Walgreens and CVS Health, and department store Target in April put limits on how many baby formula products consumers can purchase at one time. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 10 May 2022 The funds will help purchase items like rotary saws, which help cut through metal doors, or fixing a station's washer and dryer. — Jay R. Jordan, Chron, 10 May 2022 The Louvre, the country’s national museum and art gallery, wants to purchase the piece for its collection and classify it a national treasure—effectively placing a freeze on the painting’s transfer to the U.S. under French law. — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 May 2022 To save, consider completing some demolition yourself, use antiques or vintage fixtures, purchase your own materials, or be the primary project manager. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2022 The city was set to receive a $5.6-million grant to purchase the land and designate it open space, until the Federal Emergency Management Agency pulled back the funding because homeowners had already been paid legal settlements. — Hannah Frystaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Great American Cookies is giving nurses and teachers a free Original Chocolate Chip Cookie Friday with any purchase and a valid ID as part of the Heroes Week initiative. — Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY, 6 May 2022 Congress never prohibited states from rejiggering their budgets to take full advantage of a program called the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which aimed to help cities and states pay front-line workers, purchase supplies and tend to other pandemic needs. — Tony Romm, Anchorage Daily News, 6 May 2022 Find podcasts that speak to your target demographic, connect with the host, purchase ads and offer product samples. — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 May 2022 For a physical disc, the assessment factored in the process of writing the file to the disc and packaging the disc, plus any energy and/or emissions that came from the retail process, purchase, and, ultimately, its use. — Doug Johnson, Ars Technica, 4 May 2022 The council also gave final approval to its ordinance prohibiting possession, purchase and sale of non-serialized untraceable firearms (ghost guns). — Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2022 After Musk’s purchase offer, Gab CEO Andrew Torba predicted the billionaire will struggle to realize his vision for Twitter. — David Klepper, ajc, 30 Apr. 2022 The Post, in a collaboration with the Dutch environmental research organization Aidenvironment, analyzed thousands of cattle purchase and shipment logs that provide a glimpse into this world. — Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2022 The episode also touched on Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter and the effects of disinformation on social media and voters. — al, 29 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'purchase.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Learn More About purchase

Dictionary Entries Near purchase

Purcell

purchase

purchaseless

Statistics for purchase

Last Updated

13 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Purchase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purchase. Accessed 23 May. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for purchase

purchase

verb

pur·chase | \ ˈpər-chəs

purchased; purchasing

Kids Definition of purchase

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to get by paying money : buy

purchase

noun

Kids Definition of purchase (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : an act of buying the purchase of supplies

2 : something bought

3 : a firm hold or grasp or a safe place to stand I could not get a purchase on the slippery ledge.

purchase

verb

pur·chase

purchased; purchasing

Legal Definition of purchase

(Entry 1 of 2)

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