playing card

noun

play·​ing card ˈplā-iŋ- How to pronounce playing card (audio)
: 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 It is filled with antiques from the earliest period when the family of Francis Watlington — a sea captain, harbor master and state legislator — resided here, including a game table set with 19th century pasteboard playing cards. Elaine Glusac, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2024 The other is a Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame playing card of Whitaker. Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2024 The clue package also included a rose, a globe and three King of Hearts playing cards. Dana Rose Falcone, Peoplemag, 26 Oct. 2023 The Chinese bodies were found next to opium-smoking pipes, handmade cigarettes, shoes, Chinese playing cards, a Peruvian silver coin dated 1898 and a certificate of completion dated 1875. Greg Wehner, Fox News, 25 Sep. 2023 The games are divided into four categories represented by suits on a deck of playing cards. Patrick Frater, Variety, 27 Sep. 2023 Then this deck of playing cards, with coffee brewing tips and drink formulas on the back of each, makes a perfect present, says Njuguna. Juliet Izon, wsj.com, 26 Sep. 2023 An extremely rare Pikachu playing card is currently on the auction block. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2023 With a 32 x 32-inch surface, this table is the perfect size for holding bite-sized appetizers or playing card games. Jenna Clark, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'playing card.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of playing card was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near playing card

Cite this Entry

“Playing card.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/playing%20card. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on playing card

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