purse

1 of 2

noun

1
a(1)
: a small bag for money
(2)
: a receptacle (such as a pocketbook) for carrying money and often other small objects
b
: a receptacle (such as a pouch) shaped like a purse
2
b
: a sum of money offered as a prize or present
also : the total amount of money offered in prizes for a given event
purselike adjective

purse

2 of 2

verb

pursed; pursing

transitive verb

1
: to put into a purse
2
: pucker, knit
pursed his brow

Examples of purse in a Sentence

Noun a golf tournament with a million dollar purse I left my purse at home, so I can't buy anything after all. Verb She pursed her lips in concentration. His lips were tightly pursed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
One, just 16, had been accused of prostitution by a classmate, and a school official later found $300 in her purse – payment from Epstein. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 2 Feb. 2025 The country’s consumers have been putting away their purses due in part to a tough real-estate market and weakened banks. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2025 Vera Bradley Premium Cotton Original Hipster For a purse from a quality brand like Vera Bradley, the $22 price tag of this purse is a steal. Alicia Geigel, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Jan. 2025 Walmart’s deals on the popular brand’s purses include travel-friendly styles like camera bags and crossbody bags, plus over-the-shoulder designs, such as the Pillow Tabby Bag made with ultra-soft leather and a detachable strap for carrying it two ways. Lauren Fischer, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for purse 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English purs, from Old English, modification of Medieval Latin bursa, from Late Latin, ox hide, from Greek byrsa

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of purse was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near purse

Cite this Entry

“Purse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purse. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

purse

1 of 2 noun
1
: a small container (as a wallet) for money
especially : a woman's pocketbook
2
: a source of supply or support
3
: a sum of money offered as a prize or present

purse

2 of 2 verb
pursed; pursing
1
: to put into a purse
2
: pucker entry 1
pursed lips
Etymology

Noun

Old English purs "a small bag for money, purse," from Latin bursa "purse," from earlier bursa "oxhide," from Greek byrsa (same meaning) — related to disburse, reimburse

More from Merriam-Webster on purse

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