What does pocketbook mean?
A pocketbook is a small bag for money and personal belongings, especially in British English, though the word can also mean a compact book for notes, accounts, or memoranda. Its best-established modern use is the British sense of a handbag, equivalent to a purse or handbag. In this meaning, a pocketbook is typically smaller than a general-purpose bag and may be made from leather or another firm material. The older sense for a small portable book is also valid but is now less common than the word notebook. The word is especially useful in British writing and speech, while in American English it may sound old-fashioned when referring to a purse and may be understood as a small book. Its two related senses reflect its history as something carried in a pocket: either one's money and belongings or one's written records.
nounA pocketbook is chiefly British for a small handbag used to carry money and personal belongings. It can also denote a small book intended to be carried in a pocket, especially for notes, accounts, or memoranda.
- A small handbag or purse used to carry money and personal belongings, especially in British English.
- A small book for keeping notes, accounts, or memoranda, designed to be carried in a pocket.
"She slipped her keys and a folded note into her pocketbook."
"She put her coins and house keys in her pocketbook before leaving the house."
"The salesman recorded each delivery in his pocketbook."
The plural is used for multiple bags or small books.
"The shop sells leather pocketbooks and other compact accessories."
One word can mean both a handbag and a book small enough to carry in a pocket.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pocketbook come from?
The compound combines Middle English pocket with book and is attested from the early modern period. Book continues Old English bōc, originally a written text or collection of written material, while pocket has a more complicated history involving Old French and Middle English. The compound's use for a small book preceded its British use for a small handbag. Modern relatives of the book element include booklet, bookseller, library, and bookcase.
How pocketbook is actually used
The handbag sense is chiefly British and is less common in modern American English, where purse or handbag is normally preferred. The small-book sense is now less frequent than the more general word notebook.