First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1purchase
verb pur·chase \ˈpər-chəs\
: to buy (property, goods, etc.) : to get (something) by paying money for it
pur·chasedpur·chas·ing
Full Definition of PURCHASE
transitive verb
1
2
: to constitute the means for buying <our dollars purchase less each year>
intransitive verb
: to purchase something
— pur·chas·able \-chə-sə-bəl\ adjective
— pur·chas·er noun
See purchase defined for English-language learners
See purchase defined for kids
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Origin of PURCHASE
Middle English purchacen, from Anglo-French purchacer to strive for, obtain, from por-, pur- thoroughly, to a conclusion (from Latin pro- forward, for) + chacer to pursue, chase — more at pro-
2purchase
noun
: an act of buying something
: something that is bought
: a firm hold or grip that makes movement possible
Full Definition of PURCHASE
1
: an act or instance of purchasing
2
: something obtained especially for a price in money or its equivalent
3
a (1) : a mechanical hold or advantage applied to the raising or moving of heavy bodies (2) : an apparatus or device by which advantage is gained b (1) : an advantage (as a firm hold or position) used in applying one's power <clutching the steering wheel for more purchase — Barry Crump> (2) : a means of exerting power
See purchase defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PURCHASE
14th century
PURCHASE Defined for Kids
1purchase
verb pur·chase \ˈpər-chəs\
pur·chasedpur·chas·ing
Definition of PURCHASE for Kids
: to get by paying money : buy
2purchase
noun
Definition of PURCHASE for Kids
1
: an act of buying <the purchase of supplies>
2
: something bought
3
: a firm hold or grasp or a safe place to stand <I could not get a purchase on the slippery ledge.>
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Next Word in the Dictionary: purchaselessPrevious Word in the Dictionary: purblindAll Words Near: purchase
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