1
a(1)
: a small bag for money
(2)
: a receptacle (such as a pocketbook) for carrying money and often other small objects
b
: a receptacle (such as a pouch) shaped like a purse
pursed; pursing
Examples of purse in a Sentence
Noun
a golf tournament with a million dollar purse
I left my purse at home, so I can't buy anything after all.
Verb
She pursed her lips in concentration.
His lips were tightly pursed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 31 July 2025
In April, Noem experienced a similar incident, when her purse was stolen at a Washington restaurant by a Chilean national who was in the U.S. illegally, according to the AP.
—Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2025
Car keys, eyeglasses and her purse disappeared multiple times a day.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 29 July 2025
For the accessory obsessed, two of our favorite purses are less than $20—the Keyli Crescent Shoulder Bag and Bagstash Puffer Tote.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for purse
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Noun
Doyle turned around to see her son had snatched her gun from her purse and shot himself in the right leg, the Miami Herald reported, citing an arrest report.
—Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 31 July 2025
In April, Noem experienced a similar incident, when her purse was stolen at a Washington restaurant by a Chilean national who was in the U.S. illegally, according to the AP.
—Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2025
Car keys, eyeglasses and her purse disappeared multiple times a day.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 29 July 2025
For the accessory obsessed, two of our favorite purses are less than $20—the Keyli Crescent Shoulder Bag and Bagstash Puffer Tote.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for purse
Cite this Entry
“Purse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purse. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
purse
1 of 2 noun1
: a small container (as a wallet) for money
especially
: a woman's pocketbook
2
: a source of supply or support
3
: a sum of money offered as a prize or present
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