purse
purse Lexical Profile
purse Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American A bag used to carry everyday personal items, such as a wallet, keys, and cosmetics.
"She realized she had left her purse on the kitchen counter just as she reached the train station."
British A small pouch or wallet used primarily for carrying coins and small amounts of paper money.
"He dug out his leather purse to find the exact change for the bus fare."
A sum of money gathered as a prize in a sporting contest, or a collected fund given as a gift.
"The two champion boxers agreed to fight for a record-breaking purse of fifty million dollars."
• verb
To draw or contract into wrinkles or folds (specifically referring to the lips), often to express disapproval, doubt, or deep concentration.
"The professor pursed his lips in thought before finally answering the complex question."
Word Nuance & Usage
In North American English, 'purse' generally refers to a larger everyday handbag, whereas in British English, it typically denotes a small pouch specifically meant for holding coins.
• Rhymes for purse
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'purs', stemming from Late Latin 'bursa' (leather bag), which in turn derives from Greek 'byrsa' (hide or leather).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.