pocketbook

1 of 2

noun

pock·​et·​book ˈpä-kət-ˌbu̇k 

1

often pocket book : a small especially paperback book that can be carried in the pocket

2

: a flat typically leather folding case for money or personal papers that can be carried in a pocket or handbag

3

a

: purse

b

: handbag sense 2

4

a

: financial resources : income

b

: economic interests

pocketbook

2 of 2

adjective

: relating to or involving economic interests

Synonyms

Noun

• bag
• handbag
• purse

Examples of pocketbook in a Sentence

Noun

she pulled some lip balm out of her pocketbook

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Americans kept their pocketbooks closed last month. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025

Shoppers put away their pocketbooks after splurging some for the holidays. —Evan Clark, WWD, 14 Feb. 2025

Next, a spate of inflation raided American pocketbooks. —Ana Swanson, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025

The dominant issues for voters were pocketbook issues of inflation, jobs, the economy, housing and health care costs, Martinez de Castro said, citing the coalition’s polling. —Suzanne Gamboa, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pocketbook

• suit every pocketbook

Kids Definition

pocketbook

noun

pock·​et·​book

ˈpäk-ət-ˌbu̇k

1

often pocket book : a small especially paperback book

2

: a container for money and personal papers : wallet

3

a

: purse entry 1 sense 1

b

: handbag sense 2

4

: financial resources : income

a price suited to your pocketbook