Definition of purse
1a (1) : a small bag for money (2) : a receptacle (such as a pocketbook) for carrying money and often other small objectsb : a receptacle (such as a pouch) shaped like a purse
2a : resources, fundsb : a sum of money offered as a prize or present; also : the total amount of money offered in prizes for a given event
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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.
Origin and Etymology of purse
Middle English purs, from Old English, modification of Medieval Latin bursa, from Late Latin, ox hide, from Greek byrsa
First Known Use: before 12th century
purse
Definition of purse
pursed
;pursing
Examples of purse in a Sentence
She pursed her lips in concentration.
His lips were tightly pursed.
14th Century
First Known Use of purse
14th century
PURSE Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of purse for English Language Learners
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: a usually leather or cloth bag used by women for carrying money and personal things
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: an amount of money that a person, organization, or government has available to use
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: 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)
purse
Definition of purse for English Language Learners
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: to form (your lips) into a tight circle or line
PURSE Defined for Kids
Definition of purse for Students
pursed
;pursing
: to form into a tight circle or line He … pursed his lips, and blew out a little air. — Wilson Rawls, Where the Red Fern Grows
Learn More about purse
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See words that rhyme with purse Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for purse Spanish Central: Translation of purse Nglish: Translation of purse for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of purse for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about purse
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