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

Inflation has been arguably the most important subject surrounding the U.S. economy for four years, not only impacting consumers’ wallets but also policy, as the Fed hiked interest rates to their highest level since the mid-2000s, making borrowing from mortgages to corporate loans more expensive. —Derek Saul, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

The best thing about both cases is the card wallet on the back of the slim case. —Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2025

Users deposit crypto into a wallet and then can move their balance into individual minigames that exist in their own Telegram groups. —Matt Burgess, WIRED, 14 Jan. 2025

Besides, when your wallet is empty, even $15 or $20 can make a difference. —Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025

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