Purse

/pɜrs/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A small bag used for carrying money and personal items.
She reached into her purse to find her wallet.
A sum of money saved or collected for a particular purpose.
The charity event raised a large purse for local shelters.
In some contexts, a woman's handbag.
Her purse matched her elegant dress perfectly.
verb
To contract into wrinkles or folds, often used in reference to the lips.
She pursed her lips in disapproval after hearing the news.

Etymology

From Middle English 'purs', from Old French 'pourse', from Latin 'bursa'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

tighten one's purse strings
To be cautious with spending or to restrict financial expenditure.
a purse of gold
A large amount of money or wealth.
purse one's lips
To press one's lips together, usually in disapproval.

Related Words

bursa
A pouch or sac, often used in medical terminology.
money
A medium of exchange in the form of coins and banknotes.
wallet
A flat case used to carry money and cards.

Slang Meanings

To purse the lips
She often purses her lips when she's frustrated.
A purse in fashion context
That designer purse is the latest trend this season.