Word
pocketbook
Phoneticspock·et·book, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɑkətˌbʊk/
UK/pˈɒkɪtbˌʊk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small bag for carrying money, cards and personal things. In the US you use this word for a woman's purse or handbag.
n. a small purse or handbag for carrying money, cards and personal items, chiefly in American usage. Extended figuratively to personal financial resources, as in discussions of taxes or living costs.
Examples
“She keeps her keys and money in her pocketbook.”
“She grabbed her pocketbook before leaving for work, checking that her phone and wallet were inside.”
“Candidates often focus on pocketbook concerns like food prices and rent because voters judge economic plans by their direct effect on household budgets.”
Examples
simple
“She keeps her keys and money in her pocketbook.”
contextual
“She grabbed her pocketbook before leaving for work, checking that her phone and wallet were inside.”
complex
“Candidates often focus on pocketbook concerns like food prices and rent because voters judge economic plans by their direct effect on household budgets.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “pocketbook” in context.
Verb
01. carry pocketbook
“She likes to carry a pocketbook when she goes shopping.”
verb + noun
02. clutch pocketbook
“She clutched her pocketbook tightly on the crowded bus.”
verb + noun
03. grab pocketbook
“She grabbed her pocketbook and rushed out the door.”
verb + noun
04. open pocketbook
“She opened her pocketbook to pay for the coffee.”
verb + noun
05. pocketbook contains
“Her pocketbook contains her wallet, keys, and phone.”
noun + verb
06. pocketbook hangs
“Her pocketbook hung from the back of the chair.”
noun + verb
Adjective
07. designer pocketbook
“She saved for months to buy a designer pocketbook.”
adj + noun
08. leather pocketbook
“She carried a small leather pocketbook to the dinner party.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. clasp of pocketbook
“She closed the clasp of her pocketbook with a click.”
noun + prep + noun
10. contents of pocketbook
“She emptied the contents of her pocketbook onto the table.”
noun + prep + noun
11. carry a small pocketbook
“She always carries a small pocketbook when travelling.”
12. clutch her pocketbook tightly
“She clutched her pocketbook tightly in the crowded station.”
Real-World Examples
“However, experts say the exploding debt and the latest record milestone are already affecting Americans’ pocketbooks by raising borrowing costs for things like mortgages and cars, lowering wages from businesses that have less money available to invest, and creating more expensive goods and services.” “Consumers remain focused on pocketbook issues like purchasing power, while political or military developments remain more in the background.” “The United States also stands out for the anxiety its younger residents have over economic issues, with younger Americans more likely than young adults in many of the other 107 surveyed countries to say affordability and other pocketbook issues are worrying them.” “The University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers on Friday noted that "pocketbook issues like high prices and weakening job prospects remain at the forefront of consumers' minds," adding interviews with respondents showed little evidence the shutdown "has moved consumers' views of the economy thus far.” Etymology
1610s, from pocket + book, popularized in its sense as a paperback by the success of Pocket Books in the United States after its 1939 launch.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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