purse strings

plural noun

: financial resources
also : control over these resources

Examples of purse strings in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to several indicators, Americans are tightening their purse strings as uncertainty grows over the future stability of the U.S. economy. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 Strategies For Ongoing Success Here are some tried and true tips B2B businesses can follow to achieve growth targets when their clients are tightening their purse strings. Jason Leverant, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Amid a global luxury downturn where several shoppers have tightened their purse strings, many designers have opted to prioritize commercial viability. Leah Dolan, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025 Most important in this case, Congress controls the purse strings. Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for purse strings

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of purse strings was circa 1530

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Cite this Entry

“Purse strings.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purse%20strings. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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