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

Such a procedure can be tough going, it must be said, on the schedules, wallets, and intestines of people who, for whatever reason, can’t hack a two-hour lunch. —Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024

The crooks got away with the younger victim’s cell phone and wallet and have not been caught, police said. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 16 Dec. 2024

Inflation is down, but people aren’t opening their wallets. —Alex Ledsom, Fortune Europe, 13 Dec. 2024

It’s fitted with a fuzzy pink hood that adds an extra layer of insulation, while two zippered front pockets are a secure place to store your phone and wallet on the go. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 13 Dec. 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