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Pocketbook: meaning, definitions and examples

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pocketbook

[ ˈpɒkɪtˌbʊk ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

small personal item

A pocketbook is a small bag or purse used to carry personal items such as money, keys, and a phone. It is usually small enough to fit in a pocket or be carried by hand.

Synonyms

clutch, handbag, purse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pocketbook	Used in American English to refer to a woman's handbag or purse that can carry personal items such as money, keys, and a phone. It is slightly old-fashioned. She reached into her pocketbook to get her phone. Make sure you don't forget your pocketbook at home.
purse	Used in American English to refer to a woman's handbag. In British English, it typically refers to a small bag for carrying coins. She took a lipstick out of her purse. I have some change in my purse.
handbag	A medium to large bag that a woman uses to carry personal items such as a wallet, makeup, and keys. Commonly used in British English. I keep my keys and wallet in my handbag. She bought a new leather handbag for work.
clutch	A small, thin handbag without a handle or strap, often used for formal events or evenings out. Typically carried in the hand. She carried a stylish clutch to the wedding. That clutch matches your evening dress perfectly.

Examples of usage

I always keep my pocketbook with me when I go out.
She rummaged through her pocketbook to find her keys.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

book

In some regions, a pocketbook refers to a small book that can fit in a pocket. These pocketbooks are usually paperback and contain short stories, poems, or other literary works.

Synonyms

booklet, paperback, small book.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pocketbook	This term is typically used in American English to refer to a woman's handbag or purse. It can also refer to a small book, often one that fits easily into a pocket or handbag. She searched her pocketbook for her keys. The pocketbook version of the novel was conveniently sized for travel.
paperback	This refers to a type of book with a soft paper cover, usually less expensive than a hardcover. It is most commonly used for novels, textbooks, and other reading materials. She bought the paperback edition of the bestseller. Paperbacks are easier to carry around than hardcover books.
small book	A general term for any book that is relatively small in size. It can refer to novels, guides, or any other type of book. He carried a small book in his pocket for light reading. The small book contained a collection of poems.
booklet	A booklet is a small, thin book that is usually only a few pages long. It is often used for informational or promotional purposes, such as pamphlets, manuals, or brochures. The booklet provided all the information about the event. He handed out booklets to everyone in the meeting.

Examples of usage

She pulled out a pocketbook from her bag and started reading.
He always carries a pocketbook with him to read on the go.

Translations

Translations of the word "pocketbook" in other languages:

🇵🇹 livro de bolso

🇮🇳 जेब की किताब

🇩🇪 Taschenbuch

🇮🇩 buku saku

🇺🇦 кишенькова книга

🇵🇱 książka kieszonkowa

🇯🇵 ポケットブック

🇫🇷 livre de poche

🇪🇸 libro de bolsillo

🇹🇷 cep kitabı

🇰🇷 포켓북

🇸🇦 كتاب الجيب

🇨🇿 kapesní kniha

🇸🇰 vrecková kniha

🇨🇳 袖珍书

🇸🇮 žepna knjiga

🇮🇸 vasabók

🇰🇿 қалталық кітап

🇬🇪 ჯიბის წიგნი

🇦🇿 cib kitabı

🇲🇽 libro de bolsillo

Etymology

The term 'pocketbook' originated in the early 19th century in the United States. It was originally used to refer to a small book that could fit in one's pocket. Over time, the term evolved to also include small bags or purses that could be carried in a pocket or by hand. Today, 'pocketbook' is commonly used to describe both a small bag for personal items and a small book that is easy to carry around.