purse
Purse (noun) means a small bag used for carrying money and personal items, especially by women. Example: “She kept her keys and phone in her purse.”
How to use purse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA bag for money and belongings, a sum of prize money, or (as a verb) to tighten your lips.
In British English, "purse" usually means a small wallet-like item for coins/cards, while "handbag" is the larger bag; in American English, "purse" often refers to the whole handbag.
Word forms
pursed past tense, purses plural, Purses plural, purses singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She kept her keys and phone in her _____.
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."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for purse
See all rhymes for 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.