1 pocketbook | Definition of pocketbook

pocketbook

noun
pock·​et·​book | \ ˈpä-kət-ˌbu̇k How to pronounce pocketbook (audio) \

Definition of pocketbook

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 often pocket book : a small especially paperback book that can be carried in the pocket
2 : a flat typically leather folding case for money or personal papers that can be carried in a pocket or handbag
4a : financial resources : income
b : economic interests

pocketbook

adjective

Definition of pocketbook (Entry 2 of 2)

: relating to or involving economic interests

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Synonyms for pocketbook

Synonyms: Noun

bag, handbag, purse

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Examples of pocketbook in a Sentence

Noun

she pulled some lip balm out of her pocketbook

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Jenny fully knew that the event was a risk for her pocketbook. — Megan Stein, Country Living, "Donnie Wahlberg’s Wife Jenny McCarthy Threw Him the Most Insane 50th Birthday Party," 21 Aug. 2019 The relationship with the count epitomizes the compromise musicians had to make between their ideals and their pocketbooks. — National Geographic, "How Beethoven went from Napoleon’s biggest fan to his worst critic," 24 Apr. 2019 Ellen Nash, chair of the Black American Political Assn. of California, appealed to the crowd’s pocketbooks. — Los Angeles Times, "With citizenship question off the census, California groups push for participation," 9 Aug. 2019 Why student loan debt is a hot topic Sure, presidential candidates have talked about pocketbook issues in the past. — Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, "Can 2020 presidential election help you shake off student loan debt?," 25 July 2019 Fact: Health care costs are rising far faster than the cost of living, digging into American families' pocketbooks and causing half of families to cut back on medical care. — CBS News, "As Dems debate, facts about economy, taxes, health care, wages and more," 26 June 2019 The unemployment rate fell in September to its lowest level since 1969, meaning more income in household pocketbooks, and tax cuts have added to purchasing power. — Harriet Torry, WSJ, "U.S. Economy Grew at 3.5% Rate in Third Quarter," 26 Oct. 2018 Rising drug prices are among the most politically thorny pocketbook issues facing Americans. — Los Angeles Times, "Kamala Harris wants to cut drug prices and tax ‘price-gouging’ companies," 16 July 2019 Addressing pocketbook issues such as reducing the cost of healthcare, housing, transportation, and taxes on the working and middle class are the keys to a successful 2020 campaign strategy. — Doug Friednash, The Denver Post, "Friednash: Democrats need to focus on what really matters to voters to win in 2020," 5 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pocketbook.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of pocketbook

Noun

1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for pocketbook

pocketbook

noun

English Language Learners Definition of pocketbook

US, somewhat old-fashioned : a bag usually with handles and pockets that is used by women to carry money and personal belongings
US : the amount of money that someone has available to spend : someone's ability to pay for things

pocketbook

noun
pock·​et·​book | \ ˈpä-kət-ˌbu̇k How to pronounce pocketbook (audio) \

Kids Definition of pocketbook

1 : handbag
2 : the amount of money that someone has to spend The price suits my pocketbook.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pocketbook

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with pocketbook

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pocketbook

Spanish Central: Translation of pocketbook

Nglish: Translation of pocketbook for Spanish Speakers