Purchase/ˈpɜːrtʃəs/ Definition 1 of 6Pro Tip 1/3Online Context Online purchasing often includes digital payments and electronic receipts. I prefer to purchase books online rather than in-store. Pro Tip 2/3Demand Situations Use 'purchase' when you need to sound more formal or official, often in business contexts. We'll purchase more office supplies as per our agreement. Pro Tip 3/3Not Just Physical 'Purchase' applies to both physical items and services or digital products. You can purchase a subscription to an online magazine.