noun
pocketbook
PO-kiht-buuk
Pocketbook (noun) means a small case for carrying money or cards; in American English, sometimes a handbag or purse. Example: “She snapped her pocketbook shut and headed for the door.”
noun
1
A small case for carrying money or cards; in American English, sometimes a handbag or purse.
"She snapped her pocketbook shut and headed for the door."
2
One's personal finances or spending power.
"Rising fuel prices are hitting every family's pocketbook."
How to use pocketbook
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small wallet or purse, or figuratively, someone's personal budget.
UK vs US
In American English, "pocketbook" often means a handbag; in British English it more often means a small notebook.
Common pairings
hit someone's pocketbook
watch your pocketbook
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Word forms
- Plural
- pocketbooks
Fill the gap
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She snapped her _____ shut and headed for the door.
Etymology
From pocket + book (1610s); later popularized as a term for cheap paperbacks by the US publisher Pocket Books after 1939.
Class of 1939
pocketbook joined the language around 1939.
See the full Class of 1939 →
Related words
Rhymes for pocketbook
See all rhymes for pocketbook →Frequently asked questions
What does “pocketbook” mean?
The word “pocketbook” means a small case for carrying money or cards; in American English, sometimes a handbag or purse. In plain terms, a small wallet or purse, or figuratively, someone's personal budget.
How do you pronounce “pocketbook”?
“Pocketbook” is pronounced PO-kiht-buuk (/ˈpɑ.kɪtˌbʊk/ in IPA).
How do you use “pocketbook” in a sentence?
Here is “pocketbook” used in a sentence: “She snapped her pocketbook shut and headed for the door.”
What part of speech is “pocketbook”?
“Pocketbook” is a noun.
Where does the word “pocketbook” come from?
The word “pocketbook” dates back to around 1939. From pocket + book (1610s); later popularized as a term for cheap paperbacks by the US publisher Pocket Books after 1939.
How many meanings does “pocketbook” have?
“Pocketbook” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small case for carrying money or cards; in American English, sometimes a handbag or purse.
