porte-monnaie
Definition
Noun: - A small purse or wallet, typically used for carrying coins. - "Porte-monnaie" is a borrowing from French, where it literally means "carry money" (from porter "to carry" and monnaie "money"). In English, it refers specifically to a compact, often folding or snap-closure case designed to hold coins, though it may also hold small bills or cards.
Usage Examples
- (A small coin purse used for daily transactions.)
- (A decorative, vintage coin purse.)
Advanced Usage
- "Porte-monnaie" is considered a somewhat formal or old-fashioned term in English. It is less common than "coin purse" or "wallet" and is often used to evoke a European or vintage style.
- The gentleman carried a silver porte-monnaie in his waistcoat pocket. (A refined, traditional accessory.)
Variants and Related Words
Coin purse (n): a small bag or pouch for holding coins; the most common English synonym.
- She dropped the coins into her coin purse. (A practical, everyday item.)
Wallet (n): a flat folding case for holding paper money, cards, and sometimes coins.
- He kept his banknotes in his wallet and change in his porte-monnaie. (Distinguishing between different types of money carriers.)
Synonyms
- Purse: a small bag or pouch for money, often used interchangeably with "porte-monnaie" for coin holders.
- Change purse: a purse specifically for holding small denomination coins.
Related Idioms
- There are no common English idioms specifically using "porte-monnaie." However, the concept of a coin purse appears in the idiom "to jingle in one's pocket", meaning to have coins (and thus some money) available.
- He had a few coins jingling in his porte-monnaie. (He had some small change.)
Phrasal Verbs
- None directly associated with "porte-monnaie" as a noun. The verb phrase "to carry a porte-monnaie" is descriptive.
- She always carries a small porte-monnaie for loose change. (To habitually bring a coin purse.)