playing card

noun

play·​ing card ˈplā-iŋ- 

: one of a set of 24 to 78 thin rectangular pieces of cardboard or plastic marked on one side to show its rank and suit and used in playing any of numerous games

Examples of playing card in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On the second night, the power went out from a bad storm, and all of us were cramped in the downstairs living room playing cards by flashlight. — The Learning Network, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2026

In games and puzzles, orders for playing cards jumped 55 percent, while board, card and party games saw a 50 percent increase. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026

The company reproduced them on playing cards, business cards. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

The defensive backs bonded on the field before and during practices and while playing card games in their dorm rooms during camp. — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for playing card

• bodyguard
• boulevard
• disregard
• asgard
• backyard
• barnyard
• blackguard
• bombard
• brickyard
• canard
• churchyard
• coastguard

Kids Definition

playing card

noun

: any of a set of cards marked to show rank and suit (as spades, hearts, diamonds, or clubs) and used in playing games