noun A2 Elementary Common

wallet

WOL-iht

Wallet (noun) means a small flat case for carrying cash, cards, and other personal items. Example: “He checked his wallet before paying the bill.”

noun

A small flat case for carrying cash, cards, and other personal items.

"He checked his wallet before paying the bill."

"She lost her wallet somewhere on the train."

A person's money or financial resources, used figuratively.

"The repair bill really hurt his wallet."

How to use wallet

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small case for cash and cards, or figuratively one's money.

Common pairings

a thin wallet hurt your wallet digital wallet

Word forms

wallets plural

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He checked his _____ before paying the bill.

Etymology

From Middle English walet, originally meaning a bag or knapsack, of uncertain deeper origin.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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purse notecase money clip card holder billfold pocketbook

Related words

bag purse handbag billfold notecase pocketbook wrinkle bursar

Rhymes for wallet

mallet ballet pallet

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Frequently asked questions

What does “wallet” mean?

The word “wallet” means a small flat case for carrying cash, cards, and other personal items. In plain terms, a small case for cash and cards, or figuratively one's money.

How do you pronounce “wallet”?

“Wallet” is pronounced WOL-iht (/ˈwɑl.ət/ in IPA).

How do you use “wallet” in a sentence?

Here is “wallet” used in a sentence: “He checked his wallet before paying the bill.”

What is another word for “wallet”?

Words with a similar meaning to “wallet” include billfold and pocketbook.

What part of speech is “wallet”?

“Wallet” is a noun.

Where does the word “wallet” come from?

The word “wallet” comes from Middle English. From Middle English walet, originally meaning a bag or knapsack, of uncertain deeper origin.

Is “wallet” a common word?

“Wallet” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

How many meanings does “wallet” have?

“Wallet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small flat case for carrying cash, cards, and other personal items.

What is the difference between a "wallet" and a "purse"?

A "wallet" is a small flat case for carrying cash, cards, and personal items, usually kept in a pocket. In British English a "purse" usually means a small case for coins and cash, while in American English a "purse" often means a handbag. Usage varies by region, so the same object can have different names.

What is the difference between a "wallet" and a "billfold"?

A "billfold" is a type of wallet, specifically one designed to fold around banknotes. "Wallet" is the broader term and can include designs with many card slots, zips, or coin sections. All billfolds are wallets, but not all wallets are billfolds.

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