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

4

a

: an app or app feature for a mobile device or web browser that digitally stores a user's important information (such as credit cards, driver's license, or event tickets)

Digital wallets can store multiple payment methods, credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards, and airline tickets on there.

—Rachel DePompa

b

: an application or device used to store and manage cryptocurrency

… hardware wallets and software wallets, that help to restrict access to your cryptocurrency and can be accessed using a password …

—USA Today

Synonyms of wallet

• handbag
• briefcase

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

The side pockets are great for water bottles and similar, while the front pocket and inner pocket securely hold your phone, wallet or other small items that could get lost in the bottom of your back. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

Unattended items — like bags, phones and wallets — can easily become the target of thieves. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

Leaders should examine whether the company can increase share of the wallet, redesign packaging, improve price realization, accelerate cross-selling, reduce customer friction or create new revenue from capabilities that are already built. — Basant Singh, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

But their outsized political influence does not just come from their wallets. — Andrew Moshirnia, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2026

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