What does wallet mean?
A wallet is a compact folding case in which people traditionally carry money, banknotes, cards, and small personal items. The word is also used figuratively for a person's or organization's available financial resources, as in the expression "a thin wallet." Modern technology has added another important sense: a digital wallet is an account or application that securely stores payment information and facilitates electronic transactions. "Wallet" is a familiar, neutral word in both British and American English, though it can evoke the practical act of keeping essential everyday items together. It is also used informally as a verb, especially in business reporting, to indicate that someone has financed a cost. Across its physical, financial, and electronic senses, the word describes a container or source of payment resources.
A small, usually folding case for carrying money, banknotes, cards, and personal papers; by extension, an electronic account or application that stores payment information, or the financial resources available to someone.
"I left my wallet on the kitchen counter."
The electronic sense is common in discussions of payments and technology. The figurative sense referring to financial resources is especially frequent in formal and business contexts.
Informally, to finance or pay for a cost by using one's own money.
"The company walleted the pilot project without outside funding."
This verb is informal and relatively uncommon, but it is especially associated with business and financial speech.
The regular plural is formed by adding -s.
"The shop sells wallets for several different styles of phone."
From a pocket-sized money bag to an app that fits in a smartphone, the wallet has moved from leather to the digital realm.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wallet come from?
The word entered Middle English from Anglo-French wallet, a diminutive of wal, meaning "bag," and is ultimately associated with Germanic vocabulary. Its sense developed from a general small bag into the familiar modern case used for money and personal papers. The same Germanic root also underlies related forms such as wale and weal, although their meanings have diverged considerably.
Related word forms
How wallet is actually used
The noun is neutral in register and standard in both British and American English. The verb is informal and occurs chiefly in business or financial contexts. In British English, purse can sound old-fashioned when referring to a small money holder, while in American English it usually denotes a woman's handbag.
Easily confused with wallet
A wallet is generally a small folding case for money and cards, whereas a purse is a larger handbag, especially in British usage.
A wallet holds money or cards; a valet is a person who looks after vehicles or serves guests.