A purse is a small bag that people, usually women, carry around. They keep money in them and often cards, makeup and other personal items. Purses are worn over the shoulder and come in a wide variety of styles and sizes. Larger bags that hold a lot of items are called handbags in British English. In the United States the terms purse and handbag are used interchangeably but there is some dispute as to which word is more accurate.
The word is believed to have originated from the Old English pusa (“bag, sack, scrip”) or Middle High German posa or Low German puz. It is also related to the Old Norse posi and Danish pose. It is also related to the English word purse, which probably originated as a contraction of the phrase “to purse one’s lips.” Pursing means moving your lips into a small, rounded shape as you speak or think. In the past women’s purses were hung on the inside of their dresses, but with the advent of more slim dresses they needed to be more slender and thus they developed into what we know today as handbags.
There are many different kinds of purses, but the most common are satchels and clutches. A newer style that has become popular is the front pocket wallet, which is a slim minimalist wallet. Some designers like Betsey Johnson create purses that make a statement, with neon pops of color and contrasting patterns. Another designer, Clare Vivier, is known for her sleek bags with a touch of whimsy.
Travelambo RFID Wallet Women Large Size Bifold Multi Card Wallet Case with Zipper Pocke Credit Card Holder for Women
$12.99 (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.)
INICAT Travel Small Crossbody Sling Bags Valentines Day Gifts Women Her Cross Body Purses Vegan Leather Birthday
$25.99 (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.)
Lapensa Small Womens Wallet-soft Leather RFID Blocking Bifold Zipper Pocket Credit Card Purse-Floral Pattern Wallet with ID Window (green)
$5.99 (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.)
LOVEVOOK Crossbody Bags for Women with 2Pcs Adjustable Strap, Leather Small Purses with RFID Blocking Slots, Shoulder Handbag
$19.98 (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.)
KKXIU Small Shoulder Bag for Women - Mini Purses for Women Vegan Leather Purse Classic Retro Handbag with Removable Strap
$19.99 (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.)
MINTEGRA Women Shoulder Handbag Roomy Multiple Pockets Bag Ladies Crossbody Purse Fashion Tote Top Handle Satchel
$32.39 (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.)
Tigpoy 2pcs Women Handbags and Purses, Top Handle Bags with Zippe Leather Tote Satchel Shoulder Conceal Carry Purse Tote
$18.99 (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.)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_fba3d0465f511bb4110179333e830420