Purse Definition

In American English, a purse is a small bag, also called a handbag.

In British English, a purse is a small money container similar to a wallet, but typically used by women and including a compartment for coins, with a handbag being considerably larger.

A purse or handbag is often fashionably-designed, and is used to hold a number of items such as a wallet, keys, tissues, makeup, a hairbrush, feminine products, or other items

Variations

Purses are usually carried by women, though men sometimes carry one as a smaller alternative to a backpack; such a purse is sometimes self-consciously termed a "murse" or "manbag" (portmanteaus "man" with "purse" and "handbag" respectively). It can also be bluntly called a "man-purse".

Coin purses are small purses, just large enough to hold money and cards.

A medium-to-small-sized purse with a short handle, designed to be carried (clutched) in one's hand is often called a clutch.

A larger purse with two handles is often called a tote.

A pocketbook is similar to a purse (in the British English sense), but allows the carrying of sheets of paper as well.

A security purse is designed to protect the carrier from travel theft. The purse includes a invisible stainless steel strap sewned into the fabric and a protectant on the main zipper.

Guide to types of handbags

Hobo:
Clutch: Small, usually evening bag without a handle
Satchel: large bag with small handle that is carried on the arm rather than on the shoulder
Duffle: A large bag usually used for travel or sports
Shopper:
Tote:
Purse:
Cross body
Learn about other types of handbags.

Guide to types of handbags

See also