card

card · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A piece of stiff paper or thin cardboard, typically rectangular, used for various purposes.

  2. 2.

    A small plastic card issued by a bank or company for financial transactions or identification.

  3. 3.

    One of a set of small pieces of cardboard with symbols or pictures, used for playing games.

  4. 4.

    (informal) An amusing or eccentric person.

Forms

plural: cards

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    play your cards right — to act cleverly to gain an advantage
  • •
    hold all the cards — to be in a position of power
  • •
    put your cards on the table — to be open about your intentions
  • •
    wild card — an unpredictable factor
  • •
    card up one's sleeve — a secret advantage kept in reserve

Related words

See also: cards, credit, game, payment
Synonyms: certificate, pass, ticket

Etymology

From Old French carte, from Latin charta ("paper, papyrus"), from Greek χάρτης (khártēs, "sheet of papyrus"). The word entered English in the 14th century, originally referring to playing cards.