wallet
/ˈwɒl.ɪt/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A small flat case for carrying money, cards, and often ID. People usually keep it in a pocket or bag.
- He kept his cash in his wallet.
- I left my wallet at home.
- She checked her wallet for her ID.
Adinary Nuance
A wallet is the small thing you carry in your pocket or bag for money and cards. It is more specific than purse, which often means a woman's handbag in Indian English and American English. It is also different from pocketbook, which is less common in modern English. Use wallet for the item itself, not for a whole bag.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- ví
- Spanish
- cartera
- Chinese
- 钱包
- Japanese
- 財布
- Korean
- 지갑
Etymology
Wallet came into English in the late 14th century. It probably came through Old North French, and before that from a Germanic word for a bag or roll.
Common phrases
wallet sizewallet moneywallet chainwallet-friendly
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is wallet the same as purse?
- Not always. In Indian English, a purse is often a woman's bag, while a wallet is for money and cards.
- Is wallet a formal word?
- No. It is a common everyday word used in speech and writing.
- What is a wallet used for?
- It is used to carry cash, cards, ID, and sometimes receipts.
- Can I say wallet for a phone case?
- Not usually. A wallet is a separate item, though some phone cases have wallet features.