What is purse? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of purse in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of purse

pursenoun

túi cầm tay

/pəːs/

Definition & pronunciation of <strong>purse</strong>

Where does the word purse come from?

The origin of the word "purse" dates back to the 13th century. It comes from the Old French word "pors", which means "money bag" or "purse". The term is believed to have originated from the Latin word "bursa", meaning "leather sack" or "money bag". Initially, a purse referred to a small bag or pouch made of leather or fabric used to carry coins, jewels, or other valuable items. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a larger meaning, including a small bag carried by women to hold personal items like money, keys, and makeup. Today, the word "purse" is widely used to describe a variety of bags, from small clutches to larger handbags. Despite its evolution, the word's roots remain firmly rooted in the concept of a money bag or pouch.

Vocabulary summary purse

typenoun

meaningwallet

meaning(figurative) money, capital

exampleto have a common purse

exampleto have a long (heavy) purse

exampleto have a light purse

meaningprize money, prize contribution

exampleto make up a purse

exampleto give (put up) a purse

typetransitive verb

meaningfrown, purse (lips), frown, frown (eyebrows)

meaning(rare word, rare meaning) put in pocket, put in purse

exampleto have a common purse

exampleto have a long (heavy) purse

exampleto have a light purse

Example of vocabulary pursenamespace

meaning

a small bag made of leather, plastic, etc. for carrying coins and often also paper money, cards, etc., used especially by women

  • I took a coin out of my purse and gave it to the child.
  • She handed him a bulging velvet purse.
meaning

a small bag for money, keys, etc., carried especially by women

  • She grabbed her purse and headed out the door.
meaning

the amount of money that is available to a person, an organization or a government to spend

  • We have holidays to suit every purse.
  • Should spending on the arts be met out of the public purse (= from government money)?
meaning

a sum of money given as a prize in a boxing match

Idioms of vocabulary purse

(you can't) make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear
(you won't) succeed in making something good out of material that does not seem very good at all

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