green card

noun

: an identity card attesting the permanent resident status of an alien in the U.S.
green-carder noun

Examples of green card in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
She was deported after appearing for a green card interview in Sacramento. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026 Atlantans Jenny Cotton and her husband, Ardalan Lotfi, have spent years trying to secure his Iranian mother an American green card. Emma Hurt, AJC.com, 6 Mar. 2026 The Sacramento Bee first reported last month that she was deported to Mexico within 24 hours after arriving for a green card appointment in downtown Sacramento. Mathew Miranda updated March 5, Sacbee.com, 5 Mar. 2026 When that argument faced legal setbacks, the government pushed ahead on a lesser charge, the green card application allegation, claiming Khalil lied on forms about his work experience, including about humanitarian work for the United Nations. Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for green card

Word History

Etymology

from the fact that it was formerly colored green

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of green card was in 1956

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Green card.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20card. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Legal Definition

green card

noun
: an identity card attesting the permanent resident status of an alien in the U.S.
Etymology

from the fact that it was formerly colored green

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