What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
purse
Example
She reached into her purse to grab her lipstick. [purse: noun]
Example
The team had a large purse to fund their research project. [purse: noun]
wallet
Example
He pulled out his wallet to pay for the meal. [wallet: noun]
Example
She kept her driver's license and insurance card in her wallet. [wallet: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wallet is more commonly used than purse in everyday language. Wallet is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while purse is less common and more specific to women's accessories.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between purse and wallet?
Both purse and wallet are considered informal terms, but wallet may be slightly more formal due to its primary function as a financial accessory.
