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Added 8 October 2026

purchase

/ˈpɜːtʃɪs/ noun

In Latin: emptiō Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about purchase at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

The acquisition of title to, or property in, anything for a price; buying for money or its equivalent.
They offer a free hamburger with the purchase of a drink.
That which is obtained for a price in money or its equivalent.
He was pleased with his latest purchase.
That which is obtained, got or acquired, in any manner, honestly or dishonestly; property; possession; acquisition.

verb

To buy, obtain by payment of a price in money or its equivalent.
to purchase land, to purchase a house
To pursue and obtain; to acquire by seeking; to gain, obtain, or acquire.
To obtain by any outlay, as of labor, danger, or sacrifice, etc.
to purchase favor with flattery

Origin

From Middle English purchasen, from Anglo-Norman purchacer (“seek to obtain”) from pur- (from Latin pro-) + chac(i)er (“to chase, pursue”). Compare Old French porchacier (“to follow, to chase”), which has given French pourchasser (“to chase without relent”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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