a piece of stiff paper or thin cardboard, usually rectangular, with varied uses, as for filing information in an index, bearing a written notice for display, entering scores in a game, etc such a card used for identification, reference, proof of membership, etc: library card, identity card, visiting card such a card used for sending greetings, messages, or invitations, often bearing an illustration, printed greetings, etc: Christmas card, birthday card one of a set of small pieces of cardboard, variously marked with significant figures, symbols, etc, used for playing games or for fortune-telling - short for playing card
(as modifier): a card game a witty, entertaining, or eccentric person - short for cheque card, credit card
- See compass card
- Also called: race card
a daily programme of all the races at a meeting, listing the runners, riders, weights to be carried, distances to be run, and conditions of each race a thing or action used in order to gain an advantage, esp one that is concealed and kept in reserve until needed (esp in the phrase a card up one's sleeve)
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
card1 /kɑrd/USA pronunciation
n.
card2 /kɑrd/USA pronunciation n. [countable]Also called card•ing ma•chine /ˈkɑrdɪŋ məˌʃin/USA pronunciation
v. [ ~ + obj]
Card., an abbreviation of:
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- a usually rectangular piece of stiff paper used to record information, etc:[countable]She showed her identification card and was let in.
- Games[countable] one of a set of cards with spots, etc., used in playing various games.
- Gamescards, (noncount;
used with a singular verb)- a game or games played with such a set.
- something useful in attaining an objective, likened to a high card in a game:[countable]I had one more card to play: my friendship with the president.
- [countable] a folded piece of thin cardboard printed with a message of holiday greeting, etc.
- postcard.
- Informal Terms
- an amusing or prankish person.
- Idioms in the cards, destined or certain to occur.
- Idioms put or lay one's cards on the table, to be completely straightforward;
conceal nothing.
card2 /kɑrd/USA pronunciation n. [countable]Also called card•ing ma•chine /ˈkɑrdɪŋ məˌʃin/USA pronunciation
- Textilesa machine for combing fibers, as of cotton or wool, before spinning.
v. [ ~ + obj]
- Textilesto comb (fibers) with this machine.
Card., an abbreviation of:
- ReligionCardinal.
card1
(kärd),USA pronunciation n.
v.t.
card2 (kärd),USA pronunciation n. Also called carding machine.
v.t.
card′er, n.
Card.,
- a usually rectangular piece of stiff paper, thin pasteboard, or plastic for various uses, as to write information on or printed as a means of identifying the holder:a 3ʺ × 5ʺ file card; a membership card.
- Gamesone of a set of thin pieces of cardboard with spots, figures, etc., used in playing various games;
playing card. - Games cards, (usually used with a sing. v.)
- a game or games played with such a set.
- the playing of such a game:to win at cards.
- Casino. the winning of 27 cards or more.
- [Whist.]tricks won in excess of six.
- Also called greeting card. a piece of paper or thin cardboard, usually folded, printed with a message of holiday greeting, congratulations, or other sentiment, often with an illustration or decorations, for mailing to a person on an appropriate occasion.
- something useful in attaining an objective, as a course of action or position of strength, comparable to a high card held in a game:If negotiation fails, we still have another card to play.
- postcard.
- See calling card (def. 1).
- Business[Com.]
- See credit card.
- See bank card.
- Sporta program of the events at races, boxing matches, etc.
- Sportscorecard.
- a menu or wine list.
- See compass card.
- Computing
- See punch card.
- board (def. 14a).
- See trading card.
- Informal Terms
- a person who is amusing or facetious.
- any person, esp. one with some indicated characteristic:a queer card.
- Idioms in or on the cards, impending or likely;
probable:A reorganization is in the cards. - Idioms play one's cards right, to act cleverly, sensibly, or cautiously:If you play your cards right, you may get mentioned in her will.
- Idioms put one's cards on the table, to be completely straightforward and open;
conceal nothing:He always believed in putting his cards on the table.
v.t.
- to provide with a card.
- to fasten on a card.
- to write, list, etc., on cards.
- Slang Termsto examine the identity card or papers of:The bartender was carding all youthful customers to be sure they were of legal drinking age.
- Middle English carde, unexplained variant of carte 1350–1400
card2 (kärd),USA pronunciation n. Also called carding machine.
- Textilesa machine for combing and paralleling fibers of cotton, flax, wool, etc., prior to spinning to remove short, undesirable fibers and produce a sliver.
- Textilesa similar implement for raising the nap on cloth.
v.t.
- Textilesto dress (wool or the like) with a card.
- card out, [Print.]to add extra space between lines of text, so as to fill out a page or column or give the text a better appearance.
- Late Latin cardus thistle, variant of Latin carduus
- Middle French: literally, teasel head
- Middle English carde 1325–75
Card.,
- ReligionCardinal.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
- (transitive)
to comb out and clean fibres of wool or cotton before spinning
(formerly) a machine or comblike tool for carding fabrics or for raising the nap on cloth