A purse is a small bag used to carry cash or credit cards. It is usually made of leather or another durable material. Some purses have a zipper or snap closure, while others are secured with a clasp. Purses are available in many styles and colors. They are often a fashion accessory, but can also be useful for carrying personal items like keys, an ID, and a lipstick. They are commonly carried by women.
The word purse is derived from the Old English pusa (“bag, sack, scrip”). It is related to Middle High German pfose (“bag, pouch”) and Middle Dutch boorse (“bucket”). The earliest known bag is one found with the remains of an Anglo-Saxon skeleton at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, England, dating between 3350 and 3105 BCE.
When someone purses their lips, they move them into a small, rounded shape to show disapproval or when they are thinking. For example, “She pursed her lips when Connie accused her of lying.”
Designer Purses and Handbags for Style and Utility
A purse can make a great accessory for your outfit. A purse can also be a gift for a loved one or friend. For example, the Coach X Jean-Michel Basquiat Rogue 39 With Snakeskin Detail is a beautiful purse that combines luxury with art.
If you are on a budget, you can still buy a good quality purse by shopping for purses on sale. The online retailer Shopbop has a great selection of pre-loved designer purses that are in excellent condition and at a fraction of the retail price. You can also find affordable purses by shopping on eBay and Amazon.
JANKS Small Crossbody Bag for Women - Mini Phone Purses with Crossbody Strap and Wallet - Nylon Arm Bag
$7.59 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
TOPDesign Personalized Initial Canvas Beach Bag, Monogrammed Gift Tote Bag for Women
$17.99 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
WEEKXING Crossbody Bag for Women Shoulder Handbags Top-Handle Lightweight Large Capacity Casual Nylon Purse Handbag
$24.99 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
BAGSMART Tote Bag for Women, Puffy Tote Bag with Zipper, Large Quilted Shoulder Bag with Compartments for Travel, Work, Gym
$21.65 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
BAGSMART Cross Body Purse, Mini Crossbody Bags for Women Travel Purse, Puffy Shoulder Handbag Wallet with RFID Blocking Slots, Black-small
$15.99 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Wrangler Wallet for Women Bifold Card Holder with Zipper and ID Window
$23.99 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
COACH Women's Crystal Jacquard Swinger 20 with Chain
$225.00 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Auto Amazon Links: No products found. http_request_failed: A valid URL was not provided. URL: https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?SearchIndex=All&multipageStart=0&multipageCount=20&Operation=GetResults&Keywords=Purses+%26+Handbags|What+Is+a+Purse%3F&InstanceId=0&TemplateId=MobileSearchResults&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US Cache: AAL_8106b900f4807dc6693fbfa7cf1936ef