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card

US //ˈkɑɹd// UK //kˈɑːd// card
  1. 1 playing card (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    one of a set of 52 pieces of stiff paper used for playing games like poker.

    one of a set of small pieces of stiff paper or plastic with numbers and symbols used for gambling or leisure games.

    Example

    He dealt each player five cards for the first round of the game.

    Example

    The magician asked a volunteer to pick a card from the deck and memorize its suit before returning it.
  2. 2 bank or credit card (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a small plastic card from a bank used to pay for things or take out money.

    a small plastic rectangle issued by a financial institution for electronic payments or cash withdrawals.

    Example

    I forgot my wallet, so I had to pay for the groceries with my card.

    Example

    The merchant terminal was unable to process the transaction because the chip on the card was damaged.
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  1. 3 greeting or business card (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a piece of stiff paper with a message or contact information.

    a small piece of cardstock used for social correspondence or for providing professional contact details.

    Example

    She sent a birthday card to her brother with a handwritten note inside.

    Example

    After the meeting, the consultant handed over his business card and suggested a follow-up call next week.
  2. 4 computing component (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    a small electronic part you put inside a computer to give it more power or memory.

    a removable circuit board or electronic device inserted into a computer to provide additional functionality.

    Example

    He bought a new graphics card so he could play the latest video games.

    Example

    The server's network interface card failed, causing a temporary loss of connectivity for the entire department.
  3. 5 funny person (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Humorous

    a person who is very funny or strange in an entertaining way.

    an amusing, eccentric, or witty individual.

    Example

    Your uncle is a real card; he kept us laughing all through dinner.

    Example

    Old Mr. Henderson was quite a card, always ready with a dry quip that caught everyone off guard.
  4. 6 metaphorical advantage (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a fact or argument you use to get what you want.

    a resource, advantage, or strategic argument employed to achieve a specific goal.

    Example

    The manager played his final card by offering a higher salary to keep her.

    Example

    The negotiator decided to hold back the environmental card until the final stage of the talks.
  5. 7 to check ID (v.)
    B1 Intermediate American English Informal

    to ask someone to show their ID to prove how old they are.

    to verify a person's age by inspecting their official identification documents.

    Example

    The bouncer will card you at the door if you look younger than twenty-one.

    Example

    The supermarket clerk was required by law to card anyone who appeared to be under the age of thirty.
  6. 8 to brush wool (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    to comb wool or cotton with a wire brush to make it straight before spinning.

    to disentangle and align fibers, such as wool or cotton, using a wire-toothed brush or machine.

    Example

    The workers had to card the raw wool before it could be made into yarn.

    Example

    Traditional artisans still card the wool by hand to ensure the fibers remain undamaged for high-quality weaving.
Idioms9 entries

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