wallet

noun

wal·​let ˈwä-lət 

1

: a bag for carrying miscellaneous articles while traveling

2

a

: a folding pocketbook with compartments for personal papers and usually unfolded paper money

also : billfold

b

: a container that resembles a money wallet: such as

(1)

: a usually flexible folding case fitted for carrying specific items (such as tools or fishing flies)

(2)

: folder sense 3a

3

: resources, funds

a shopping mall that seems to swallow your wallet

—Karen Wright

Synonyms

• carry-on
• carryall
• grip
• handbag
• holdall [chiefly British]
• portmanteau
• suitcase
• traveling bag

Examples of wallet in a Sentence

She paid the bill and tucked her wallet back into her pocket.

He pulled a few bills out of his wallet.

Recent Examples on the Web

Wendy’s has been capturing the attention (and wallets) of customers with quirky, limited-time promotions like its SpongeBob KrappyPatty burger and Pineapple Under the Sea Frosty. —Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024

Concession stands incorporate facial recognition to allow fans who have linked their wallets to the arena’s app to walk in and out, bypassing registers. —Andrew Greif, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024

Plus, the pants come with handy pockets for your phone, keys, or wallet — because who needs a bag when you’ve got built-in convenience? —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024

Complete with at-home gel manicure essentials, this kit features (drum roll…) a base coat, topcoat, acetone-free polish remover, removal clips, lamp, and satin green polish for less than $90 (a win for your wallet, too). —Annie Blackman, Allure, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English walet

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wallet

• vote with your wallet

Kids Definition

wallet

noun

wal·​let ˈwäl-ət 

1

: a bag or sack for carrying things on a journey

2

: a small flat folding pocketbook with compartments (as for coins, paper money, and cards)

also : billfold