purse

noun

\ˈpərs

Definition of purse

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a(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

2a : 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

purse

verb

pursed; pursing

Definition of purse (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to put into a purse

2 : pucker, knit pursed his brow

Other Words from purse Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about purse

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Synonyms for purse

Synonyms: Noun

bag, handbag, pocketbook

Examples of purse in a Sentence

Noun

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

Verb

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

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Here's a look at Wow's booking levels: Wow Basic: An economy seat with no pre-selection; a personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you (like a small backpack, purse or briefcase) with maximum dimensions of 17 x 13 x10 inches. — Cynthia Drescher, Condé Nast Traveler, "Wow Air Introduces New Premium Ticket Option," 20 Apr. 2018 Where most other cars tack on small door pockets for items like wallets and bottled drinks, Volvo has molded into the XC40s doors huge wells, that can easily swallow a purse, or large laptop. — Matthew Scott, Outside Online, "The Volvo XC40 Is the Perfect Car for Normal People," 12 Apr. 2018 Three women stole multiple purses and wallets priced at about $7,400 at 5:44 p.m. July 8 from Nordstrom Rack, 2155 W. 22nd St. — Chuck Fieldman, chicagotribune.com, "Police blotter: nearly $7,500 in wallets and purses stolen from Nordstrom Rack at Oakbrook Center," 13 July 2018 This next quarter’s drawing will offer one lucky patient the chance to choose between a Coach purse and an iPad. — Karlie Brand, sandiegouniontribune.com, "8 reasons you’ll wish this dentist was yours," 11 July 2018 Her jewelry, hairpiece, corsage, purse and even her French manicure were all made from Duck Tape. — Wzzm-tv (grand Rapids), Detroit Free Press, "Michigan teen wears Duck Tape prom dress, wins scholarship," 9 July 2018 The alleged snatcher, Gabriela Doolan, 27, of Hollywood, confessed to asking the victim for a cigarette before nabbing the purse and making a getaway in the truck driven by Juhasz, an arrest report said. — Tonya Alanez, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Police arrest pair accused of Publix purse-snatching," 28 June 2018 According to police, Jimenez-Rodriguez returned to her home after that to retrieve her purse and gym bag before heading to the office. — Chris Harris, PEOPLE.com, "Texas Mom Vanishes on Way to Work — as Police Investigate 'Suspicious' Texts She Might Not Have Sent," 28 June 2018 When was the last time Paris Hilton hit the club in a sleeveless shirt, armed with red sunnies, a big animal print purse and socks on her arms? — Kat Bein, Billboard, "Axwell & Ingrosso Shine With Romans on 'Dancing Alone': Listen," 28 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.