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

• carry-on
• carryall
• grip
• handbag
• holdall [chiefly British]
• portmanteau
• suitcase
• traveling bag

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

Treating yourself to a new pair of sneakers doesn’t have to come at the expense of your wallet. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025

With Floral Print $79 Coach Outlet If Mom loves to keep things simple, this medium-sized wallet is one of the best gifts for carrying just the essentials—just a few cards and cash—in the prettiest floral print. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025

The woman then discovered that $200 and a necklace valued at $950 were missing from the wallet, the warrant affidavit said. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2025

Channel your inner Lorde at Coachella channeling her inner butch with this sporty wallet chain from Urban Outfitters. —Sam Manzella, Them., 16 Apr. 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