pouch
POUCH
/paʊtʃ/
A small flexible bag or pocket used for holding small items like coins, passports, or toiletries.
Refers to a small, soft container, often closed with a zipper, drawstring, or snap.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'poche' (bag or pocket), of Germanic origin. Related to the word 'pocket' (literally 'little pouch') and 'poach' (to bag game illegally).
Word relationships
- sack: Sack implies a larger, coarser bag used for heavy goods like grain.
- case: Case usually implies a rigid or semi-rigid structure.
Commonly confused with
- purse: A purse is primarily a handbag or wallet, whereas a pouch is a utility container for organizing small items.
Collocations
- leather pouch
- zippered pouch
- travel pouch
- drawstring pouch
Example sentences
- "Keep your passport and currency safe inside a neck pouch hidden under your shirt." Travel Security
- "The kangaroo mother carried her young Joey inside her protective pouch." Nature/Biology
- "She organized her chargers and cables into a small padded pouch." Packing Organization
Memory hook
A kangaroo's POUCH holds small, precious things. Small soft bag for essentials.
When not to use
Do not use for large travel bags or structured suitcases.
Fun facts
- The words 'pouch', 'pocket', and 'poke' (as in 'a pig in a poke') all share the exact same medieval root.
Related words
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