Difference Between
versus

Wallet vs. Purse: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A wallet is a small, flat case for carrying personal items like cash and cards, while a purse, in American English, is a larger bag used for carrying various personal items, often with a shoulder strap.
Wallet vs. Purse

Key Differences

A wallet is typically a compact, foldable case used primarily for holding money, credit cards, and identification documents. In contrast, a purse is generally larger, designed to carry a variety of personal items including a wallet, phone, cosmetics, and keys.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Wallets are usually carried inside a purse or pocket, making them a more concealed and secure option for essential items. Purses, often worn over the shoulder or carried by hand, are more visible and accessible for storing and retrieving a wider range of items.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
The design of a wallet is focused on organization and ease of access to cash and cards, often featuring dedicated slots and compartments. Purses vary greatly in design and size, offering more flexibility in terms of the items they can accommodate.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Wallets are commonly used by both men and women, whereas purses are traditionally associated with women’s fashion and accessories. However, there are gender-neutral and men’s versions of both items.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
Material-wise, wallets are often made of leather or synthetic materials for durability and a sleek appearance, while purses come in a wider range of materials, from leather to fabric, and styles to suit various fashion preferences.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Primary Function

Carrying cash and cards
Carrying various personal items
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Size

Small, compact
Larger, varies in size
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Carrying Method

In pocket or purse
Over the shoulder or by hand
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Gender Association

Both men and women
Traditionally women, but varies
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Design Focus

Organizing small items
Accommodating a range of items
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Wallet and Purse Definitions

Wallet

A small folding case for holding cash and cards.
He pulled out his wallet to pay the bill.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023

Purse

A bag for carrying various personal items.
She rummaged through her purse for her keys.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023

Wallet

A pocket-sized holder for personal identification.
Her driver's license was in her wallet.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023

Purse

Used to carry essentials including a wallet.
Her purse contained her wallet, phone, and makeup.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023

Wallet

Designed for compactness and security.
The slim wallet fit perfectly in his pocket.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Purse

Varies in size, style, and material.
She preferred a small, fabric purse for daily use.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023

Wallet

Often made of leather or fabric for durability.
He bought a new leather wallet.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023

Purse

Can be a fashion statement or a practical accessory.
Her designer purse matched her outfit perfectly.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023

Wallet

Can include features like coin pockets or RFID protection.
His wallet had a special section for coins.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023

Purse

A usually closable bag used for carrying keys, a wallet, and other personal items, especially by women; a handbag.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Wallet

A flat pocket-sized folding case, usually made of leather, for holding paper money, cards, or photographs; a billfold.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

A usually closable small bag or pouch for carrying money.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Wallet

A small case, often flat and often made of leather, for keeping money (especially paper money), credit cards, etc.
The thief stole all the money and credit cards out of the old man's wallet.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

Something that resembles a bag or pouch, such as a purse seine.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Wallet

A person's bank account or assets.
It's unknown if the pro running back's recent sex scandal will hit him in the wallet or not.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

An available amount of money or resources
A project funded by the public purse.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Wallet

An e-wallet or digital wallet.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

A sum of money collected as a present or offered as a prize.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Wallet

A thick case or folder with plastic sleeves in which compact discs may be stored.
I won an auction online for a cheap CD wallet.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

To gather or contract (the lips or brow) into wrinkles or folds; pucker.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Wallet

(archaic) A bag or pouch.
He brought with him a large wallet with some provisions for the road.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

A small bag for carrying money.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Wallet

(slang) A person's buttocks (the area of the body nearest where one keeps one's wallet).
He fell down and landed on his wallet.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

(US) A handbag (small bag usually used by women for carrying various small personal items)
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Wallet

A bag or sack for carrying about the person, as a bag for carrying the necessaries for a journey; a knapsack; a beggar's receptacle for charity; a peddler's pack.
[His hood] was trussed up in his walet.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

A quantity of money given for a particular purpose.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Wallet

A pocketbook for keeping money about the person.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

(historical) A specific sum of money in certain countries: formerly 500 piastres in Turkey or 50 tomans in Persia.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Wallet

Anything protuberant and swagging.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

(transitive) To press (one's lips) in and together so that they protrude.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Wallet

A pocket-size case for holding papers and paper money
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

To draw up or contract into folds or wrinkles; to pucker; to knit.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

To put into a purse.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

To steal purses; to rob.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

Hence, a treasury; finances; as, the public purse.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

A specific sum of money
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

To put into a purse.
I will go and purse the ducats straight.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

To steal purses; to rob.
I'll purse: . . . I'll bet at bowling alleys.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
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
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

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
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

A small bag for carrying money
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

A sum of money offered as a prize;
The purse barely covered the winner's expenses
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

Contract one's lips into a rounded shape
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

Gather or contract into wrinkles or folds; pucker;
Purse ones's lips
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Purse

Often comes with handles or a shoulder strap.
Her purse had a long strap for easy carrying.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Are wallets gender-specific?

They can be, but many are unisex.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Can wallets have technology like RFID blocking?

Yes, many modern wallets do.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Do wallets come in different sizes?

Yes, from small cardholders to larger bifolds.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Do purses come in standard sizes?

No, they range from small to large.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

What is a wallet used for?

Carrying cash, cards, and IDs.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Are purses only for fashion?

No, they can also be practical.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Do all purses have shoulder straps?

Most do, but some have handles or both.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Can a wallet be a fashion accessory?

Yes, especially designer wallets.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Can men use purses?

Yes, there are gender-neutral and men's purses.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Is a wallet more secure than a purse?

Generally, due to its size and concealability.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Can a wallet be carried alone?

Yes, especially in pockets.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Is a wallet a common gift?

Yes, it's a popular gift choice.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

What is a purse used for?

Carrying a variety of personal items.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Is a purse considered essential for women?

Often, but it depends on personal choice.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Are purses safe for carrying valuable items?

It depends on the design and how it's carried.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Can a wallet be part of a purse set?

Yes, many brands offer matching sets.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Can purses be waterproof?

Some are, depending on the material.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Do wallets have compartments for coins?

Some do, but not all.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Is it common to carry a purse daily?

For many people, yes.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Are all purses made of leather?

No, they come in various materials.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2023

Share this page

Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila 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.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

Smart TV vs. Android TVSmart TV vs. Android TV
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A Smart TV is an internet-connected television with a variety of apps, while an Android TV is specifically a Smart TV powered by Google's Android TV operating system.
C3 Plants vs. C4 PlantsC3 Plants vs. C4 Plants
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
C3 plants use a direct carbon fixation process, common in cooler climates, while C4 plants have a specialized mechanism, efficient in high light and temperature.
Special Education vs. Inclusive EducationSpecial Education vs. Inclusive Education
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 17, 2024
Special Education is tailored instruction for students with disabilities, while Inclusive Education integrates all students, including those with disabilities, into general education settings.
Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 8, 2024
The Seagate Exos X16 offers up to 16TB storage with a focus on high-capacity data centers, while the Exos X18 upgrades to 18TB, enhancing performance and capacity for enterprise demands.
Social Change vs. Cultural ChangeSocial Change vs. Cultural Change
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Social change refers to shifts in societal structures and institutions, impacting behaviors and relationships among people. Cultural change pertains to alterations in a group's shared beliefs, values, and customs, influencing their way of life.
Compression Wood vs. Tension WoodCompression Wood vs. Tension Wood
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Compression Wood is a denser, abnormal growth in softwood trees under mechanical stress, whereas Tension Wood is a less dense, fibrous growth in hardwoods under similar stress.
Travel Agent vs. Tour OperatorTravel Agent vs. Tour Operator
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A travel agent is a professional who arranges travel plans for individuals, while a tour operator designs and manages complete travel packages.
Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 1, 2024
Gorilla Glass 3 offers improved scratch resistance and durability compared to its predecessors, while Gorilla Glass 5 focuses on enhanced drop protection and toughness.
Gavage vs. LavageGavage vs. Lavage
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Gavage is the process of feeding a person or animal by inserting a tube into the stomach, while lavage is the washing out of a body cavity, such as the stomach, typically for medical treatment.
Sausage vs. SmokieSausage vs. Smokie
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A sausage is a type of meat product usually made from ground meat, often pork, beef, or poultry, while a smokie is a specific type of smoked sausage.
Hard Copy vs. Soft CopyHard Copy vs. Soft Copy
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A Hard Copy is a physical version of a document or file, usually on paper, while a Soft Copy is a digital version of the document, stored electronically.
Plant Cell vs. Animal CellPlant Cell vs. Animal Cell
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts for photosynthesis, while animal cells lack these but have centrioles.
Term vs. SemesterTerm vs. Semester
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Term is a general period for any division of the academic year, while Semester specifically refers to half of an academic year.
Nanomaterials vs. NanoparticlesNanomaterials vs. Nanoparticles
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Nanomaterials are diverse materials with components smaller than 100nm, whereas nanoparticles are specific, ultrafine particles within this size range.
Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese EyesJapanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Japanese Eyes and Chinese Eyes refer to linguistic structures in Japanese and Chinese respectively, each reflecting unique aspects of grammar and syntax.
2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
2 Pole Motors have one pair of magnetic poles and run at higher speeds, while 4 Pole Motors have two pairs of poles and operate at lower speeds, offering higher torque.
Analog Computer vs. Digital ComputerAnalog Computer vs. Digital Computer
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
An Analog Computer processes continuous data, whereas a Digital Computer processes data in discrete numerical form.
Batch Fermentation vs. Continuous FermentationBatch Fermentation vs. Continuous Fermentation
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 10, 2024
Batch Fermentation is a finite process where nutrients are added at the start and products are harvested at the end, whereas Continuous Fermentation involves a steady input of nutrients and continuous product harvest.
Absolute Privilege vs. Qualified PrivilegeAbsolute Privilege vs. Qualified Privilege
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 26, 2023
Absolute privilege is a complete defense against defamation claims, often used in legal or parliamentary contexts, while qualified privilege offers conditional protection, requiring the absence of malice.
Consecutive vs. SubsequentConsecutive vs. Subsequent
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Consecutive refers to events or things following one after another in uninterrupted sequence, whereas subsequent denotes following in time or order, but not necessarily immediately afterward.
System Call vs. System ProgramSystem Call vs. System Program
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 9, 2024
A System Call is an interface for programs to request services from the operating system, while a System Program is software that provides basic functions for computer operation.
Fast Food vs. Traditional FoodFast Food vs. Traditional Food
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Fast Food is quick, convenient, and often pre-prepared, while Traditional Food emphasizes cultural recipes, longer preparation times, and home cooking.
Goth vs. AltGoth vs. Alt
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 5, 2024
Goth is a dark, often Victorian-influenced subculture and style, while Alt (alternative) is a broader term encompassing non-mainstream styles and attitudes.
Handsome vs. SmartHandsome vs. Smart
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Handsome describes physical attractiveness, focusing on looks, while smart denotes intelligence or cleverness, related to mental capabilities.

Featured Comparisons

New Comparisons