Wallet vs. Purse: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
A wallet is a small, flat case for carrying personal items like cash and cards, while a purse is typically a small bag for holding money or personal items.
Key Differences
A wallet is designed primarily as a compact means to carry essentials such as money, credit cards, identification, and sometimes small documents or photographs. In contrast, a purse, especially in American English, refers to a larger bag that women typically carry, encompassing a broader range of items from cosmetics to personal belongings.
Generally, wallets are smaller and fit conveniently into pockets. They are mainly associated with men, although women use them too, often within their purses. On the other hand, a purse can vary in size but is usually larger than a wallet and might come with straps or handles, meant to be carried or slung over the shoulder.
When considering functionality, a wallet is often designed with specific compartments or slots to organize cash, cards, and other flat items. A purse, meanwhile, may have a broader internal space with pockets, allowing for a more varied collection of items, from notebooks to makeup.
Material-wise, wallets tend to be made of leather, synthetic materials, or fabric and are structured to retain their shape. In contrast, purses come in a more extensive range of materials, from leather to fabric, plastic to metal, and can be either rigid or soft in structure.
While both wallets and purses serve the primary function of carrying personal items, cultural and fashion trends often dictate their design and popularity. A wallet is often viewed as a practical necessity, while a purse might be chosen for both its functionality and its aesthetic appeal.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Carry essentials like cash and cards
Hold money or personal items, often larger items
Size
Generally smaller
Varies, usually larger
Associated Gender
Commonly used by men
Typically associated with women
Structure
Specific compartments/slots
Broader internal space, with pockets
Usage
Fits into pockets
Carried or slung over the shoulder
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Wallet and Purse Definitions
Wallet
A flat, folding case for carrying money and cards.
He pulled a credit card from his wallet.
Purse
A small bag for holding coins.
She dropped some coins into her purse.
Wallet
A pocket-sized holder for various items.
She keeps her receipts in a small wallet.
Purse
A handheld bag used by women to carry personal items.
She grabbed her purse before heading out.
Wallet
A digital tool for holding cryptocurrency.
His bitcoin is stored in a digital wallet.
Purse
A sum of money given as a prize.
The winning team received a purse of $10,000.
Wallet
A protective case for documents or notes.
She stored her passport in a travel wallet.
Purse
A usually closable bag used for carrying keys, a wallet, and other personal items, especially by women; a handbag.
Wallet
A flat pocket-sized folding case, usually made of leather, for holding paper money, cards, or photographs; a billfold.
Purse
A usually closable small bag or pouch for carrying money.
Wallet
An online account storing digital money or payment information.
He made the payment using his online wallet.
Purse
Something that resembles a bag or pouch, such as a purse seine.
Wallet
A small case, often flat and often made of leather, for keeping money (especially paper money), credit cards, etc.
The thief stole all the money and credit cards out of the old man's wallet.
Purse
An available amount of money or resources
A project funded by the public purse.
Wallet
A person's bank account or assets.
It's unknown if the pro running back's recent sex scandal will hit him in the wallet or not.
Purse
A sum of money collected as a present or offered as a prize.
Wallet
An e-wallet or digital wallet.
Purse
To gather or contract (the lips or brow) into wrinkles or folds; pucker.
Wallet
A thick case or folder with plastic sleeves in which compact discs may be stored.
I won an auction online for a cheap CD wallet.
Purse
A small bag for carrying money.
Wallet
(archaic) A bag or pouch.
He brought with him a large wallet with some provisions for the road.
Purse
(US) A handbag (small bag usually used by women for carrying various small personal items)
Wallet
(slang) A person's buttocks (the area of the body nearest where one keeps one's wallet).
He fell down and landed on his wallet.
Purse
A quantity of money given for a particular purpose.
Wallet
A bag or sack for carrying about the person, as a bag for carrying the necessaries for a journey; a knapsack; a beggar's receptacle for charity; a peddler's pack.
[His hood] was trussed up in his walet.
Purse
(historical) A specific sum of money in certain countries: formerly 500 piastres in Turkey or 50 tomans in Persia.
Wallet
A pocketbook for keeping money about the person.
Purse
(transitive) To press (one's lips) in and together so that they protrude.
Wallet
Anything protuberant and swagging.
Purse
To draw up or contract into folds or wrinkles; to pucker; to knit.
Wallet
A pocket-size case for holding papers and paper money
Purse
To put into a purse.
Purse
To steal purses; to rob.
Purse
A small bag or pouch, the opening of which is made to draw together closely, used to carry money in; by extension, any receptacle for money carried on the person; a wallet; a pocketbook; a portemonnaie.
Who steals my purse steals trash.
Purse
Hence, a treasury; finances; as, the public purse.
Purse
A sum of money offered as a prize, or collected as a present; as, to win the purse; to make up a purse.
Purse
A specific sum of money
Purse
To put into a purse.
I will go and purse the ducats straight.
Purse
To draw up or contract into folds or wrinkles, like the mouth of a purse; to pucker; to knit.
Thou . . . didst contract and purse thy brow.
Purse
To steal purses; to rob.
I'll purse: . . . I'll bet at bowling alleys.
Purse
A bag used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women);
She reached into her bag and found a comb
Purse
A sum of money spoken of as the contents of a money purse;
He made the contribution out of his own purse
He and his wife shared a common purse
Purse
A small bag for carrying money
Purse
A sum of money offered as a prize;
The purse barely covered the winner's expenses
Purse
Contract one's lips into a rounded shape
Purse
Gather or contract into wrinkles or folds; pucker;
Purse ones's lips
Purse
A small pouch or bag for various uses.
She kept her sewing kit in a tiny purse.
Purse
A term used to describe a woman's handbag in general.
She rummaged through her purse looking for her keys.
FAQs
Are all wallets made of leather?
No, wallets can be made of leather, fabric, synthetics, or other materials.
What is a wallet primarily used for?
A wallet is mainly used to carry cash, cards, and personal identification.
Is a purse typically larger than a wallet?
Yes, a purse is usually larger than a wallet and can hold a wider range of items.
Can men use a wallet and a purse?
While men commonly use wallets, purses are less common but not unheard of for men in some cultures and fashion contexts.
Do wallets only hold money?
No, wallets can hold money, credit/debit cards, IDs, and sometimes small documents or photos.
Are digital wallets physical items?
No, digital wallets are electronic platforms for holding digital money or payment information.
How should I care for a leather wallet?
To prolong its life, regularly clean and condition a leather wallet, and keep it away from moisture and direct sunlight.
What's a coin purse?
A coin purse is a small pouch designed specifically to hold coins.
Is a purse the same as a handbag?
In American English, a purse is often synonymous with a handbag, but the terms might differ in other forms of English.
Are there wallets with technology to prevent RFID skimming?
Yes, some wallets are designed with RFID-blocking materials for added security.
Do all purses have straps?
No, while many purses have straps or handles, some might not.
Do all purses have zippers?
No, purses can close using zippers, clasps, snaps, or might have open tops.
Should I be concerned about pickpockets with my wallet or purse?
Yes, it's wise to be cautious, especially in crowded places. Use wallets that fit securely in front pockets or purses that can be zipped and held close to the body.
Can a purse be considered a fashion accessory?
Yes, many people choose purses as much for fashion as for functionality.
Can men's purses also be called satchels or messenger bags?
Yes, while not strictly purses, satchels and messenger bags are similar functional items for men.
Are there wallets designed specifically for travel?
Yes, travel wallets often have compartments for passports, tickets, and foreign currency.
Are there wallets for women?
Yes, many women use wallets, often storing them inside their purses.
How can I organize my wallet effectively?
Regularly clear out unnecessary items, use compartments for specific items, and keep frequently used items easily accessible.
Is a clutch a type of purse?
Yes, a clutch is a small, strapless purse typically used for formal occasions.
Can purses be made of fabric?
Yes, purses can be made of various materials, including fabric, leather, and synthetics.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
