pocketbook

1 of 2

noun

pock·​et·​book ˈpä-kət-ˌbu̇k How to pronounce pocketbook (audio)
Synonyms of pocketbooknext
1
often pocket book : a small especially paperback book that can be carried in the pocket
2
: a flat typically leather folding case for money or personal papers that can be carried in a pocket or handbag
3
4
a
: financial resources : income
b
: economic interests
voting against their own pocketbooks

pocketbook

2 of 2

adjective

: relating to or involving economic interests

Synonyms of pocketbook

Examples of pocketbook in a Sentence

Noun she pulled some lip balm out of her pocketbook
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Mortgages Another way the war is hitting Americans' pocketbooks is in the housing market, where mortgage rates have risen for five straight weeks after briefly dipping below 6% in late February. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026 The mayor said the Council’s estimated $2 billion in vacancy reductions, referring to unfilled positions in the city’s workforce, would strain the city’s pocketbook to the point where cuts would be necessary. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026 The survey points to broader unease beyond pocketbook issues. Sam Stevenson, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026 During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, few in the United States paid a pocketbook price. Nancy A. Youssef, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pocketbook

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pocketbook was in 1617

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pocketbook.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pocketbook. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

pocketbook

noun
pock·​et·​book
ˈpäk-ət-ˌbu̇k
1
often pocket book : a small especially paperback book
2
: a container for money and personal papers : wallet
3
4
: financial resources : income
a price suited to your pocketbook

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