purse
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for purse, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small bag used for carrying money and personal items, especially by women.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use purse
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English purs, itself partly from a word meaning "wallet, bag" and partly from Medieval Latin bursa ("leather bag") — the same root that gives us "bursar."
Full origin of purse →Frequently asked questions
What does “purse” mean?
The word “purse” means a small bag used for carrying money and personal items, especially by women. In plain terms, a bag for money and belongings, a sum of prize money, or (as a verb) to tighten your lips.
How do you pronounce “purse”?
“Purse” is pronounced purs (/pɜɹs/ in IPA).
How do you use “purse” in a sentence?
Here is “purse” used in a sentence: “She kept her keys and phone in her purse.”
What is another word for “purse”?
Words with a similar meaning to “purse” include pucker.
What part of speech is “purse”?
Depending on how it is used, “purse” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “purse” come from?
The word “purse” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old English purs, itself partly from a word meaning "wallet, bag" and partly from Medieval Latin bursa ("leather bag") — the same root that gives us "bursar.".
Is “purse” a common word?
“Purse” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “purse” have?
“Purse” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small bag used for carrying money and personal items, especially by women.
What is the difference between a purse and a handbag?
The meaning depends on the country: in American English, a purse is the bag carried for money and personal items, much like what British English calls a handbag. In British English, a purse is the small pouch for coins and cards that Americans would call a wallet or coin purse.