purse

noun \ ˈpərs \

|Updated on: 13 Aug 2018

Examples: purse in a Sentence

Definition of purse

1 a (1) : a small bag for money

(2) : a receptacle (such as a pocketbook) for carrying money and often other small objects

b : a receptacle (such as a pouch) shaped like a purse

2 a : resources, funds

b : a sum of money offered as a prize or present; also : the total amount of money offered in prizes for a given event

—

purselike

play \ˈpərs-ˌlīk\ adjective

See purse defined for English-language learners

See purse defined for kids

Examples of purse in a Sentence

a golf tournament with a million dollar purse
I left my purse at home, so I can't buy anything after all.

Recent Examples of purse from the Web

The courts do not have the power of the purse, as Congress does, or the power of the sword, as the presidency does.

— The Christian Science Monitor, "A big question for Trump’s Supreme Court nominee," 10 July 2018
Loum, who wants to start a business with other women refugees sewing dresses and purses, spent hours in the evening cutting and stitching a dress-suit for the occasion.

— deirdre fernandes, BostonGlobe.com, "An education in hope," 7 July 2018
Her ruffled, pink paisley shirt and matching, high-waisted shorts are paired with clear heels and a boxy, white purse.

— kayleigh roberts, Marie Claire, "Beyoncé Had an Impromptu Photo Shoot on Her Private Jet," 1 July 2018
Pick a bathroom cupboard, a single kitchen drawer, one closet, your purse, the baby's diaper bag.

— melissa rolland, courant.com, "Clearing Out The Clutter," 26 June 2018
Jams and jellies, pottery, purses, cheeses, and specialty foods are among the other great products that show up each week at the Wethersfield Farmers Market.

— joan hunt, Courant Community, "Wethersfield Farmers Market In Full Swing," 12 June 2018
According to the Rikers Island Visitor’s Guide, you are required to lock up all your belongings — purses, phones, cash, cigarettes, etc. — before entering the establishment.

— amanda arnold, The Cut, "How Did Anna Delvey Just Instagram From Rikers?," 12 June 2018
While supporters wait for these technological upgrades, the council and KidsAndCars.org advise caregivers to keep purses, cell phones or even a shoe in the back seat as a mental prompt to look before locking.

— maritza moulite, CNN, "37 US children die in hot cars each year, report says," 12 June 2018
Kendall rocked her signature model-off-duty style for the outing: a white crop-top, black pants, a mini purse, and small cat-eye sunglasses.

— isabel greenberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kendall Jenner Had a Stylish Bike Date with Her Rumored New Man," 5 June 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of purse

Middle English purs, from Old English, modification of Medieval Latin bursa, from Late Latin, ox hide, from Greek byrsa

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

See Words from the same year

purse Synonyms

Synonyms

bag, handbag, pocketbook;

Related Words

clutch, clutch bag;

billfold, wallet;

poke, pouch, sack;

shoulder bag;

purse

verb

Definition of purse

pursed; pursing

transitive verb

1 : to put into a purse

2 : pucker, knit

pursed his brow

See purse defined for English-language learners

Examples of purse in a Sentence

She pursed her lips in concentration.
His lips were tightly pursed.

First Known Use of purse

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

PURSE Defined for English Language Learners

purse

noun

Definition of purse for English Language Learners

: a usually leather or cloth bag used by women for carrying money and personal things
: an amount of money that a person, organization, or government has available to use
: an amount of money that is offered as a prize in a competition (such as a horse race, a golf tournament, or a boxing match)