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View synonyms for

purse

[ purs ]

noun

  1. Also called change purse [cheynj, purs]. a small bag, pouch, or case for carrying money.
  2. anything resembling a purse in appearance, use, etc.
  3. a sum of money offered as a prize or reward.
  4. a sum of money collected as a present or the like.
  5. money, resources, or wealth.


verb (used with object)

pursed, pursing.
  1. to contract into folds or wrinkles; pucker:

    to purse one's lips.

  2. to put into a purse.

purse

/ ɜː /

noun

  1. a small bag or pouch, often made of soft leather, for carrying money, esp coins
  2. a woman's handbag
  3. anything resembling a small bag or pouch in form or function
  4. wealth; funds
  5. a sum of money that is offered, esp as a prize
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. tr to contract (the mouth, lips, etc) into a small rounded shape
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • ܰ· adjective
  • ܰ· adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of purse1

First recorded before 1100; (noun) Middle English, Old English purs, blend of pusa “bag” (cognate with Old Norse posi ) and Medieval Latin bursa “bag” (ultimately from Greek ý “hide, leather”); (verb) Middle English pursen “to put in a purse,” derivative of the noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of purse1

Old English purs, probably from Late Latin bursa bag, ultimately from Greek: leather
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Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with purse , also see can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear .
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Both men are expected to earn a seven-figure purse for the fight.

From

After months of arguing over purse splits, it took wealthy Saudi Arabia to get the fighters to agree terms.

From

When designer Meredith Green learned the owner of the estate used the Lady’s Retreat as a purse room, it sparked her imagination.

From

Coupled with his record $4.2-million purse Sunday, such a title certainly would make other Masters champions sit up straight at dinner.

From

Sherman also mimics Wood’s voice and facial expressions on “White Lotus,” widening her eyes and pursing her lips behind those very prominent front teeth.

From

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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purreepurse crab