Meaning & use

purse

noun·Everyday

A small bag used to carry money and personal items, especially one carried by a woman.

See it in a sentence

She dug through her purse looking for her keys before realizing they were in her pocket.

He tucked a few coins into a worn leather purse before leaving the market.

A note on using this word

In American English, purse usually means a handbag; British English uses it for a small coin pouch instead.

Words with a similar meaning

handbagpouch

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To draw one's lips tightly together, typically to show displeasure, concentration, or disapproval.

Her grandmother pursed her lips whenever she disagreed but chose not to argue.

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