wallet
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɒlɪt/
US
- /ˈwɔlət/
Description
- Holds cash and cards
- billfold
- cardholder
- small money case
A wallet is a small case you carry with you every day. It is usually used to hold cash, bank cards, an ID, and sometimes a few notes, receipts, or photos. Many are made of leather, but they can also be made of fabric, plastic, or other materials. You might take it out when paying in a store, showing your ID, or keeping your important cards in one place. If you lose it, the problem is not just the money inside, but also the loss of things you use in daily life.
A wallet is a small, flat case used to carry personal items such as currency, credit cards, identification documents, receipts, and other small valuables. While historically wallets were primarily for holding provisions—the name likely derives from Middle English words for a bag or knapsack—modern wallets have evolved to accommodate our increasingly cashless society.
Wallets come in many forms: bi-folds (folding in half), tri-folds (folding into thirds), slim cardholders, and even minimalist designs that prioritize compactness. Some are designed specifically for men, others for women, with varying sizes and styles to fit different needs and preferences.
The context of "wallet" can also be figurative. You might say someone is "opening their wallet," meaning they're willing to spend money. Or a company might talk about "customer wallets," referring to the total amount of money customers are likely to spend within a specific category or with a particular brand.
Beyond its practical function, a wallet often holds sentimental value. It may contain cherished photos, lucky charms, or receipts from memorable events. Losing a wallet isn't just losing money; it's potentially losing a piece of your personal history and requiring the hassle of replacing important documents. So, whether it's leather, fabric, or something else entirely, your wallet is a small but significant part of daily life.
Examples
- 1
Everyday mistake
I think I left my wallet at home.
- 2
Paying
She took her wallet out of her bag to pay for lunch.
- 3
Personal keepsake
He keeps a photo of his family in his wallet.
- 4
Loss
My wallet was gone after I got off the bus.
- 5
Clothing pocket
This coat has a secure inside pocket for your wallet and phone.
- 6
Cash habits
I bought a smaller wallet because I don't carry much cash anymore.
- 7
Digital payment
You can pay with your phone if you use a digital wallet.
Phrase
digital wallet
an app that stores payment cards on your phone
- 8
Wallet contents
His wallet was full of old receipts and loyalty cards.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- walletnoun
Forms
- walletspluralnoun