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
Synonyms
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
Tamara Keith, NPR, 15 Feb. 2025
Even if states choose to maintain their existing vaccine programs, the federal government could affect policy through the power of the purse, Hodge said.
—Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2025
During closing arguments Thursday, defense attorneys showed blown up still frames of the purse on the couch, amplifying the prosecutor’s error.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025
The operations, more broadly, point to another national security threat: shifting oversight away from lawmakers on Capitol Hill who should, in the American tradition of checks and balances, have the power of the purse.
—Anna Mulrine Grobe, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for purse 
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Noun
The power of the purse Another law under pressure is the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, a response to Nixon's refusal to spend funds as directed by Congress.
—Tamara Keith, NPR, 15 Feb. 2025
Even if states choose to maintain their existing vaccine programs, the federal government could affect policy through the power of the purse, Hodge said.
—Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2025
During closing arguments Thursday, defense attorneys showed blown up still frames of the purse on the couch, amplifying the prosecutor’s error.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025
The operations, more broadly, point to another national security threat: shifting oversight away from lawmakers on Capitol Hill who should, in the American tradition of checks and balances, have the power of the purse.
—Anna Mulrine Grobe, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for purse
Dictionary Entries Near purse
Cite this Entry
“Purse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purse. Accessed 21 Feb. 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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