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

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

Thompson appeared on “Weekend Update” as Willie, the most optimistic guy Michael Che knows, but it was Nwodim who made the bigger impression as “A Woman Who Can’t Find Something in Her Purse.”

From Los Angeles Times

The giant purse contains a dead goldfish in a bag, a gun, a smaller night purse and an uncounted Pennsylvania ballot.

From Los Angeles Times

She stuffed some clothes and her respirator into her purse, and her roommate loaded her oxygen tank into the car.

From Los Angeles Times

“The cost to the public purse has already become increasingly clear with huge sums lost to unusable PPE from ill-qualified suppliers,” Mr Bruce continued.

From BBC

Related Words

• pucker