wallet

[ wol-it, waw-lit ]

noun

1. a flat, folding pocketbook, especially one large enough to hold paper money, credit cards, driver's license, etc., and sometimes having a compartment for coins.
2. Chiefly British. a bag for carrying food, clothing, toilet articles, etc., during a journey; knapsack or rucksack.

wallet

/ ˈwɒlɪt /

noun

1. a small folding case, usually of leather, for holding paper money, documents, etc
2. a bag used to carry tools
3. archaic.
   a rucksack or knapsack

Word History and Origins

Origin of wallet¹

1350–1400; Middle English walet < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of wallet¹

C14: of Germanic origin; compare Old English weallian, Old High German wallōn to roam, German wallen to go on a pilgrimage

Example Sentences

Perhaps it feels like “Where are my keys?” and “Where did I leave my wallet?” have become common refrains.

From Los Angeles Times

The former boss of Scotland's water industry regulator submitted expense claims for a £170 Mulberry wallet and £290 glasses which "had no clear business purpose".

From BBC

A number of items were found to have "no clear business purpose", including the £170 wallet and £290 glasses.

From BBC

Opting to leave, Richardson was released without any personal belongings — her wallet and phone were inside her impounded Honda Civic, where it appeared she had been living.

From Los Angeles Times

That may be one reason why some people are thinking about voting with their wallet, but experts warn that it's important to understand a president's influence over the economy.

From Salon

Related Words

• folder
• pocketbook
• purse