To purchase something means to buy it by paying money for it. When you purchase a book at a store, you exchange your money for the book and it becomes yours. You might purchase lunch at school, purchase supplies for a science project, or save up to purchase a new bicycle.

Purchase sounds more formal than buy, so people often use it in business settings or when discussing larger transactions. A family might buy groceries but purchase a house. A company purchases equipment and supplies. Receipts and contracts use language like “date of purchase” rather than “date of purchase.”

The word can also be a noun, referring to the thing you bought: “That jacket was a great purchase” means you're happy with what you bought.

A purchase involves effort and intention. You don't accidentally purchase something the way you might accidentally find a quarter on the sidewalk. When you purchase something, you've made a deliberate choice to exchange your money (which represents your time and work) for something you've decided is worth having.