a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)
"she reached into her bag and found a comb"
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"
a small bag for carrying money
"She reached into her purse to find some coins for the parking meter."
A small bag for carrying money.
"She reached into her leather purse to find some cash for the taxi."
In plain English: A purse is a small bag used to carry money and other personal items.
"She reached into her purse to find some cash for lunch."
Usage: Use the noun purse to refer specifically to a woman's handbag or coin pouch, distinguishing it from the larger shoulder bags often called purses by men. Avoid confusing this object with the verb form, which describes pressing one's lips together tightly.
contract one's lips into a rounded shape
"After hearing the bad news, she pursed her lips tightly to keep from crying."
To press (one's lips) in and together so that they protrude.
"She pursed her lips to whistle a soft tune between them."
In plain English: To purse your lips means to push them together into small circles, often when you are trying not to smile or show surprise.
"She decided to purse her lips in disapproval at his rude comment."
A surname.
"The local chapter meeting was chaired by Ms. Purse, who has served on the board for over a decade."
The word "purse" comes from Middle English and traces back to two related Old English words for a wallet or pouch. Its roots lie in the Proto-Germanic language family, where it originally meant simply a bag or sack used for carrying items.