wallet

noun

wal·​let ˈwä-lət 

1

: a bag for carrying miscellaneous articles while traveling

2

a

: a folding pocketbook with compartments for personal papers and usually unfolded paper money

also : billfold

b

: a container that resembles a money wallet: such as

(1)

: a usually flexible folding case fitted for carrying specific items (such as tools or fishing flies)

(2)

: folder sense 3a

3

: resources, funds

a shopping mall that seems to swallow your wallet

—Karen Wright

Synonyms

• suitcase

Examples of wallet in a Sentence

She paid the bill and tucked her wallet back into her pocket.

He pulled a few bills out of his wallet.

Recent Examples on the Web

Card Case Speaking of only keeping the essentials on hand, this ultra-thin card case is an excellent replacement for a bulky, overstuffed wallet when traveling. —Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025

The brand offers dozens of high-quality sheets in cozy, breathable fabrics at wallet-friendly prices. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2025

This oversized bag is roomy enough to store your laptop, book, water bottle, and wallet. —Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025

Chong Wen, a 33-year-old who works at a local bank in Guangzhou, recently purchased several items from Louis Vuitton, including a classic Neverfull for her mother-in-law and a monogrammed wallet for her husband. —Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English walet

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wallet

• vote with your wallet

Rhymes for wallet

• collet
• gallate
• hippolyte

Kids Definition

wallet

noun

wal·​let ˈwäl-ət 

1

: a bag or sack for carrying things on a journey

2

: a small flat folding pocketbook with compartments (as for coins, paper money, and cards)

also : billfold