Pocketbook vs. Purse: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 27, 2023
A pocketbook is often a small book or folder for holding papers, while a purse is typically a small bag for carrying money and personal items.
Key Differences
A pocketbook traditionally refers to a small book or folder used for keeping papers, notes, or small items. In contrast, a purse is commonly understood as a small bag used primarily by women to carry personal items like money, cards, and cosmetics.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
The term pocketbook can also imply a wallet or a small handbag, especially in older usage. A purse, on the other hand, is more specifically associated with a bag that has a clasp or zipper, often featuring a handle or strap.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
In modern usage, pocketbook can sometimes be used interchangeably with purse, especially in certain dialects. However, a purse usually denotes a more fashion-oriented accessory, often part of a woman's ensemble.
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Dec 27, 2023
The design and functionality of a pocketbook lean towards practicality and compactness, often fitting easily into a larger bag or briefcase. Purses, conversely, vary widely in size and design, ranging from small clutch bags to larger shoulder bags.
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Dec 27, 2023
Historically, the term pocketbook has been used in a broader sense, encompassing various types of small bags or carriers. The purse, traditionally, has been more narrowly defined and associated with feminine fashion and utility.
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Dec 27, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Holding papers, notes, or as a wallet.
Carrying personal items like money, cosmetics, and essentials.
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Fashion Aspect
Less emphasis on fashion, more on functionality.
Often a fashion accessory, with varied designs and styles.
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Size
Generally compact and small.
Varies from small to large, depending on style and purpose.
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Gender Usage
Traditionally unisex, used by both men and women.
Primarily associated with women.
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Material
Often made of leather, fabric, or synthetic materials.
Wide range of materials including leather, cloth, and beads.
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Pocketbook and Purse Definitions
Pocketbook
A small book or folder for holding papers.
She stored her meeting notes in her leather pocketbook.
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Dec 27, 2023
Purse
A small bag for carrying money, especially by women.
She rummaged through her purse to find some change.
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Dec 27, 2023
Pocketbook
In historical context, a book that fits in a pocket.
He carried a pocketbook version of the Constitution.
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Purse
A bag with a clasp or zipper, often with a handle or strap.
Her new purse was a stylish addition to her wardrobe.
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Dec 27, 2023
Pocketbook
A small handbag, often used synonymously with purse.
Her red pocketbook matched her shoes perfectly.
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Purse
A usually closable bag used for carrying keys, a wallet, and other personal items, especially by women; a handbag.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pocketbook
A small case for carrying personal items.
She kept her business cards in a sleek pocketbook.
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Dec 27, 2023
Pocketbook
A pocket-sized folder or case used to hold money and papers; a billfold.
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Oct 19, 2023
Purse
An available amount of money or resources
A project funded by the public purse.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pocketbook
Often pocket book A pocket-sized, usually paperbound book. Also called pocket edition.
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Oct 19, 2023
Purse
To gather or contract (the lips or brow) into wrinkles or folds; pucker.
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Purse
(US) A handbag (small bag usually used by women for carrying various small personal items)
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Oct 19, 2023
Pocketbook
(figuratively) One's personal budget or economic capacity - the amount one can afford.
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Pocketbook
(uncommon) A small book, particularly (US) a paperback or (UK) notebook able to fit into a pocket.
The publishers brought out small format pocketbooks of the whole of their nature series.
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Oct 19, 2023
Purse
(historical) A specific sum of money in certain countries: formerly 500 piastres in Turkey or 50 tomans in Persia.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pocketbook
A small book or case for carrying papers, money, etc., in the pocket; also, a notebook for the pocket.
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Oct 19, 2023
Purse
(transitive) To press (one's lips) in and together so that they protrude.
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Pocketbook
Your personal financial means;
That car is too expensive for my pocketbook
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Oct 19, 2023
Pocketbook
A bag used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women);
She reached into her bag and found a comb
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Oct 19, 2023
Purse
A small bag or pouch, the opening of which is made to draw together closely, used to carry money in; by extension, any receptacle for money carried on the person; a wallet; a pocketbook; a portemonnaie.
Who steals my purse steals trash.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pocketbook
A wallet, especially in American English.
He checked his pocketbook for cash before leaving the house.
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Dec 27, 2023
Purse
A sum of money offered as a prize, or collected as a present; as, to win the purse; to make up a purse.
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Oct 19, 2023
Purse
To draw up or contract into folds or wrinkles, like the mouth of a purse; to pucker; to knit.
Thou . . . didst contract and purse thy brow.
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Purse
To steal purses; to rob.
I'll purse: . . . I'll bet at bowling alleys.
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Oct 19, 2023
Purse
A bag used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women);
She reached into her bag and found a comb
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Purse
A sum of money spoken of as the contents of a money purse;
He made the contribution out of his own purse
He and his wife shared a common purse
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Purse
A sum of money offered as a prize;
The purse barely covered the winner's expenses
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Purse
In British English, a small pouch for carrying coins.
He tossed a coin into his leather purse.
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Dec 27, 2023
Purse
A small bag for holding personal items like cosmetics.
She packed her lipstick and mirror in her evening purse.
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Dec 27, 2023
Purse
An accessory often reflecting fashion trends.
The designer purse was the highlight of her outfit.
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Dec 27, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is a pocketbook the same as a wallet?
In American English, pocketbook can mean a wallet.
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Dec 27, 2023
Can the terms pocketbook and purse be used interchangeably?
Sometimes, especially in certain dialects or older usage.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
What is a purse?
A small bag for carrying money and personal items, usually for women.
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Dec 27, 2023
What are the common materials for purses?
Leather, cloth, beads, and a wide range of decorative materials.
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Dec 27, 2023
What is a pocketbook?
A small book or folder for papers, or a wallet/small handbag.
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Dec 27, 2023
Is a purse always a fashion item?
Often, purses are fashion-oriented but they can also be purely functional.
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Dec 27, 2023
What materials are pocketbooks made from?
Leather, fabric, and various synthetic materials.
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Are all purses small in size?
No, purses vary in size from small clutches to large shoulder bags.
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Dec 27, 2023
Do pocketbooks have straps or handles?
Some do, especially those used as small handbags.
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Are purses exclusively for women?
Traditionally, yes, but modern fashion includes purses designed for men.
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Dec 27, 2023
Can pocketbooks be fashionable?
Yes, especially in the context of small handbags.
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Dec 27, 2023
Are purses considered essential in women’s fashion?
Often, as they can complement and complete an outfit.
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Dec 27, 2023
How has the use of pocketbooks evolved?
From general small carriers to more specific uses like wallets and handbags.
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Dec 27, 2023
What is the main function of a purse?
To carry personal items like money, cards, and cosmetics.
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Dec 27, 2023
Do modern purses have multiple functions?
Yes, ranging from practical utility to fashion statements.
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Dec 27, 2023
Can pocketbooks be considered accessories?
Yes, particularly when they are fashionably designed.
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Dec 27, 2023
Is there a historical difference between pocketbooks and purses?
Historically, pocketbooks had broader uses, while purses were more specifically for personal items.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
What's the average price range for pocketbooks and purses?
Prices vary widely based on brand, material, and design.
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Dec 27, 2023
Are there designer pocketbooks and purses?
Yes, many luxury brands design high-end pocketbooks and purses.
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Dec 27, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
