purse

noun \ ˈpərs \

|Updated on: 18 Jun 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

Her purses were awash in bows, beads, polka dots, rainbow stripes, and oversized prints—a contrarian corrective to the studiously neutral palette of ’90s high fashion.

— kimberly chrisman-campbell, The Atlantic, "Kate Spade’s Unforgettable Designs," 6 June 2018
On May 30, an elderly woman, who was on a scooter, was shoved and her purse was stolen from her wrist.

— jess nocera, Howard County Times, "Columbia man charged with string of robberies targeting elderly women," 6 June 2018
Kate also wanted her purses to be functional and practical.

— michelle manetti, Good Housekeeping, "What Was Kate Spade's Net Worth? The Iconic Designer Had One of the Most Successful Careers in Fashion," 5 June 2018
Cathy Malloy said she was knocked down and had her purse stolen in a shopping plaza in the Cos Cob section of Greenwich by a person seeking drug money.

— christopher keating, courant.com, "Malloy Hosts Criminal Justice Conference Inside Cheshire Prison," 30 May 2018
One jumped out, shoved her and took her purse — which also had credit cards, her license, cash and iPhone.

— ryan gillespie, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Volusia deputies seeking tips in Deltona Publix strong-arm robbery," 22 May 2018
One stays at my office desk, one for home, and one with a case travels in my purse.

— lara sorokanich, Popular Mechanics, "Why I Use a Glass Straw," 17 May 2018
Mullins initially took a modest drive while wearing her purse.

— andrew joseph, For The Win, "Long-drive champion goes undercover as elderly woman to prank junior golfers," 27 Mar. 2018
Read more about Khloé Kardashian's pregnancy: Now, take a peek into Ashley Graham's purse: || Don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram and Twitter.

— melissa minton, Allure, "Khloé Kardashian Shared Photos From a Super Sultry Maternity Shoot," 21 Mar. 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)