What Is a Purse?

purse

A purse is a bag people carry to store things like their wallet, keys, and cell phone. It can be small or large and made from materials ranging from leather to cloth. Typically, women use purses to hold essentials but they can also be used to show off one’s personal style.

A quality purse is practical and aesthetically pleasing. It has several pockets and compartments to keep items organized and can be closed with sturdy zippers or latches. It can also have adjustable shoulder or crossbody straps for a customized fit and easy-to-use handles. Its colors should complement the wearer’s outfit and can reflect an air of sophistication, tradition, or richness. It may have a themed lining or even metal “feet” to prevent the bottom of the bag from getting dirty when placed on surfaces.

When someone purses their lips, they move them into a small, rounded shape to disapprove of something or when thinking. It’s also possible to use purse as a verb, meaning to pull in the edges of a piece of fabric or to move money into a wallet. A purse can also refer to the amount of money in a bank or account, and it is often used to describe the total wealth or riches of a country, family, or group. It is also sometimes used to refer to a government budget, as in “They have been trying to tighten the purse strings.” The term can be applied to a person’s financial situation, too, when a politician is accused of cutting public spending or when an employer is accused of tightening its belt by trimming payrolls or benefits.