wallet

noun

wal·​let ˈwä-lət 

1

: a bag for carrying miscellaneous articles while traveling

2

a

: a folding pocketbook with compartments for personal papers and usually unfolded paper money

also : billfold

b

: a container that resembles a money wallet: such as

(1)

: a usually flexible folding case fitted for carrying specific items (such as tools or fishing flies)

(2)

: folder sense 3a

3

: resources, funds

a shopping mall that seems to swallow your wallet

—Karen Wright

Synonyms

• carry-on
• carryall
• grip
• handbag
• holdall [chiefly British]
• portmanteau
• suitcase
• traveling bag

Examples of wallet in a Sentence

She paid the bill and tucked her wallet back into her pocket.

He pulled a few bills out of his wallet.

Recent Examples on the Web

Bal Harbor Shops is creating experiences, which is what Millennials, who wield the wallet power today, are craving. —Sharon Edelson, Forbes, 25 Dec. 2024

Overtime is sometimes a necessary expense, but it must be used for the public safety function of the NYPD, not to fatten the wallets of the undeserved. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 Dec. 2024

During the events, the men had to surrender their wallets and cellphones and sign nondisclosure agreements, prosecutors said. —Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 24 Dec. 2024

My grandmother gave that wallet to my mother and now it’s been passed down to me. —WWD, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English walet

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wallet

• vote with your wallet

Kids Definition

wallet

noun

wal·​let ˈwäl-ət 

1

: a bag or sack for carrying things on a journey

2

: a small flat folding pocketbook with compartments (as for coins, paper money, and cards)

also : billfold