purse

[ purs ]

noun

1. handbag ( def 1 ).
2. Also called change purse [cheynj, purs]. a small bag, pouch, or case for carrying money.
3. anything resembling a purse in appearance, use, etc.
4. a sum of money offered as a prize or reward.
5. a sum of money collected as a present or the like.
6. money, resources, or wealth.

verb (used with object)

, pursed, purs·ing.

1. to contract into folds or wrinkles; pucker:

   to purse one's lips.

2. to put into a purse.

purse

/ pɜːs /

noun

1. a small bag or pouch, often made of soft leather, for carrying money, esp coins
2. a woman's handbag
3. anything resembling a small bag or pouch in form or function
4. wealth; funds
5. a sum of money that is offered, esp as a prize

verb

1. tr to contract (the mouth, lips, etc) into a small rounded shape

Other Words From

• purse·less adjective
• purse·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of purse¹

First recorded before 1100; (noun) Middle English, Old English purs, blend of pusa “bag” (cognate with Old Norse posi ) and Medieval Latin bursa “bag” (ultimately from Greek býrsa “hide, leather”); (verb) Middle English pursen “to put in a purse,” derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of purse¹

Old English purs, probably from Late Latin bursa bag, ultimately from Greek: leather

Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with purse , also see can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear .

Example Sentences

Still, the fact the team is even entertaining a meeting with this year’s top free agent suggests the Dodgers, for all the spending they did last offseason, aren’t tightening their purse strings yet.

From Los Angeles Times

Local communities believe that certain fishing practices, such as spearfishing with scuba gear and semi-industrial fishing with purse seines and night lights, are major contributors to the decline of fish stocks.

From Science Daily

With Paul reported to be earning about £31m and Tyson's purse half that, there are question marks around the motivations behind this match-up.

From BBC

Serrano, 36, is also hesitant to reveal her purse but feels other female fighters can capitalise on the magnitude and success of her rivalry with Taylor.

From BBC

The retired aerospace engineer, who lives in Sierra Madre, did about four reps before his teeth clenched, his legs trembled and he let out short puffs of air through pursed lips.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pucker